Several paintings by Florida Highwaymen artist Al Black are on display at Montessori Academy of Naples.  The exhibit was officially unveiled at the private school’s Annual Off-the-Wall Art Auction on October 24th.    The school is honored to showcase Mr. Black’s work and grateful to the art’s owner, Mac Martin of the Martin Art Gallery in Arcadia, for his generosity.

Mr. Black is one of 26 African American artists identified as the Florida Highwaymen.  The group consists of 25 men and one woman who started out in the 50’s and 60’s painting vivid Florida landscapes and selling them along the state’s highways.  During that era, racial barriers often prevented black artists from showing their work in galleries so this creative solution allowed these African American artists to take their paintings directly to the public.  Their beautiful works of folk art are best known for their quick-technique and colorful depictions of Florida’s natural beauty.  Mr. Black and the other 25 Florida Highwaymen artists were inducted into the Florida Artists Hall of Fame in 2004. 

The work of local artist Peggy Jarrell is also featured at the school.  Ms. Jarrell, a native of West Virginia, has called Naples home since 1987.  Her paintings also colorfully portray the beauty of Florida as seen by the artist today.  Ms. Jarrell works for Collier County and paints for “fun and relaxation.”  These dual interests converged when she began entering her artwork in the Annual Collier County Employee Art Contest where she has been awarded Honorable Mention for the past two years.   Select pieces from both artists are available for sale.

The school rotates its artwork annually to highlight new themes and media for the children.  Both Mr. Black’s and Ms. Jarrell’s collections will grace the walls of Montessori Academy of Naples throughout the 2009-2010 school year.  They will be invaluable resources in teaching the children about the expressive nature of art, the many forms it can take, and the uniqueness of an artist’s vision and perspective.

Montessori Academy of Naples is a not-for-profit private school.  If you would like more information about the school or the work of the featured artists, please contact the school at 597-2255 or on the web at www.naplesmontessori.org .  Additional information about Mr. Black’s work can be obtained through the Martin Art Gallery website at www.martinartgallery.com .