Hall of Fame Original Florida Highwaymen
Fort Pierce, Florida, A Legend of the Road
A living legend, Mary Ann Carroll helped make Highwaymen Art what it is today. Being the only female among the male dominant group of Original Highwaymen Artists is a unique accomplishment. Against all odds she painted her way out of segregation for more 50 years. Mary Ann Carroll has sustained the test of time.
I met Ms. Mary Carroll when she walked into the art gallery of her colleague, Original Highwaymen Johnny Lee Daniels, who was held in high regard. Johnny is credited for teaching and mentoring four men and one female. Under his leadership, all are members of the Historic 2nd Generation. The lives of the Highwaymen are so entwined, sometimes it's hard to speak of one member and not the other when telling the story.
Johnny recently opened his second gallery on Delaware Ave. I could not have known that I would become God family and Johnny would one day ask me to be his business partner, but for those who truly knew him, the idea was fitting of his character. Many of the Highwaymen, friends and customers often stopped to visit or make purchases from Johnny.
Johnny and I sat side by side painting together when Ms. Mary Ann Carroll stopped in to visit. "Hey Johnny, how y'all doing," she said. "Hey Ms. Mary Ann," Johnny responded; then he introduced her to me. Our eyes met, as we respectfully greeted one another. After a bit of small talk, she asked Johnny for a colleague's phone number and then asked me if I would write it down for her. "Sure," I responded. After more small talk she wished us both a good day and walked out of the gallery.
She appeared humbled, a nice person. "She doesn't usually come here," Johnny said, "I think she came to see you, A J." Although I did not know it at the time, Mary Ann Carroll would become a woman I would grow to highly respect.
