Palm Coast, FL – The Palm Coast Arts Foundation is pleased to announce the unveiling of “JOURNEY” a Florida Highwaymen-inspired turtle to be unveiled at the Flagler County Government Services Building, 1769 East Moody Blvd, Building #2 on Monday, March 29 at 4:00 pm.
“Journey” sponsored by Awilda Hamilton, Hayes Jackson, Sam Brunetti, and AJ Barr (also the artist), will be the first indoor turtle to be unveiled.
“Though the accomplishments of the Florida Highwaymen pre-dates Still I Rise by Maya Angelou, the poem certainly describes their internal fortitude,” stated Hamilton.
This sculpture commemorates the group of 26 (25 men and one woman) known as “The Florida Highwaymen”. Without formal art schooling, these now iconic mid-20th century African American painters sold paintings traversing the Florida highways. They left a legacy of hard work and perseverance.
“The Turtle Trail is hatching more turtles,” said Palm Coast Arts Foundation executive director Nancy Crouch, excitedly.
“Journey depicts the inspiring artists of the Florida Highwaymen made famous from their roadside sales of paintings showcasing the natural beauty of Florida. The self-taught artists started painting in the 1950’s reaching success in the 60s and 70s. One woman, Mary Ann Carroll, was the only female artist among them. We are thrilled that the sponsors chose these Florida icons to celebrate on the Turtle Trail!”
But wait, there’s more good news on the turtle front according to Crouch.
The Turtle Trail, started in 2017, has grown throughout the county, thanks to the enthusiasm of Palm Coast Arts Foundation’s executive director Nancy Crouch.
“Watch for more news as Alice is unveiled April 6 at the Flagler County Library (Bob Ammon artist); Stewart Maxcy just completed BEVERLY for Beverly Beach; Beach Haven has commissioned Bob Teller (Nancy Marie turtle artist) to create a turtle for their community, and we are excited to announce too that John Bramblitt, a legally blind artist from Texas, will create the “See” turtle for Tomoka Eye.”
