OSPREY, FL (April 22, 2026) – Big Waters Land Trust is pleased to welcome a Florida Highwaymen heir, Roy A. McLendon Jr, for a special, one-day-only exhibition of his celebrated artwork. The event will take place on Wednesday, May 6, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Bay Preserve, Big Waters’ headquarters located at 400 Palmetto Avenue in Osprey.
“We are truly delighted to welcome back Mr. McLendon to Bay Preserve,” said Christine P. Johnson, president of Big Waters Land Trust. “He captures the beauty of Florida’s landscapes – the places we work to protect. Carrying on the Florida Highwaymen painting style helps introduce more people to our state’s cultural history and their enduring spirit. We are honored to host Mr. McLendon, the son of a Highwayman, for this special event.”
From the early 1950s through the 1980s, twenty-six African American artists, now known as the Florida Highwaymen, gained recognition for their vivid, expressive paintings of Florida’s natural landscapes. Working during the Jim Crow era, when galleries and museums were largely inaccessible to them, these artists sold their work directly from their cars along U.S. Highway 1. Today, their paintings are widely collected and celebrated for both their artistic and historical significance.
The exhibition will feature Roy A. McLendon Jr.’s work, which reflects both tradition and personal legacy. Roy A. McLendon Jr. is also scheduled to appear, painting live.
Born on October 7, 1955, in Bridgeton, New Jersey, Roy A. McLendon Jr. was raised in Gifford, Florida, where his artistic journey began at an early age. Influenced by his father, Roy McLendon Sr., a Florida Artists Hall of Fame inductee, and fellow Highwayman Harold Newton, McLendon Jr. began painting at just eight years old. By his teenage years, he was painting and selling alongside Highwaymen artists, becoming the only son of an original artist actively working within the movement during that time.
Working primarily in oils, McLendon is known for his evocative depictions of Florida’s landscapes, including moonlit rivers, coastal scenes, and backcountry vistas inspired by childhood memories of life in the South. His work often incorporates elements of everyday life, from wildlife and citrus groves to figures fishing along the Treasure Coast, capturing both the beauty and spirit of old Florida. Deeply committed to elevating Highwaymen art, McLendon’s continued dedication has played a role in recognizing Highwaymen paintings as fine art.
Artwork will be available for purchase, with a portion of proceeds benefiting Big Waters Land Trust’s mission to protect the land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Cash or check is preferred, and a 3% fee applies for credit card payments.
Parking for the event will be available on-site. A complimentary valet service will run continuously between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm.
This is a free, drop-in event; however, advance registration is encouraged. To learn more and register, visit bigwaterslandtrust.org/highwaymen26. Additional event details will be shared with registered attendees in advance.
For more information about the Florida Highwaymen, visit floridahighwaymenpaintings.com.
About Big Waters Land Trust
Big Waters protects Florida’s land and water for the benefit of people and nature. Through strategic collaborations with individuals, groups, organizations, and government, they work to ensure all people have access to clean water, fresh air, nutritious food, abundant wildlife, beautiful natural areas to enjoy, and all the other physical and mental benefits nature provides. Their vital work strengthens Florida’s resiliency to storms and floods, enriches lives, and helps safeguard our community for generations to come. Learn more at bigwaterslandtrust.org.
