ORLANDO, Fla. — During Women’s History Month, Spectrum News is sharing the story of artist Mary Ann Carroll, the "Queen of the Highwaymen."
Known for their vibrant landscape paintings, she was the only woman in Florida’s renowned Highwaymen group of self-taught artists.
Now more than ever, her family and the city of Orlando are honoring her legacy.
“Every time you look at a painting, you’ll always find something different," said Carroll's daughter, Dr. Wanda Renee Mills. "That’s the great thing about the paintings."
One of Carroll's seven children, Mills said she misses her mom dearly.
“I live and I breathe her name, her essence, her memories — but more importantly there are some times, the rough days, I come in here and I don’t even turn on the light. I just stand before the painting and I talk to her and it’s consoling, yeah,” Mills said.
She said Carroll was a trailblazer.
“Mother was invited to meet the former first lady Michelle Obama at the White House,” Mills said.
Even though she’s gone, Carroll lives throughout her daughter’s home.
“She felt like she could really capture those crashing waves, like she’s known for,” Mills said.
City of Orlando public art coordinator Flynn Dobbs co-curated a retrospective exhibition honoring Carroll’s work.
This marks the first time Carroll’s work will be displayed on its own.
The Highwaymen were a group of 26 African American artists working to overcome racial barriers in Florida.
They created and sold vibrant paintings during the Jim Crow and post-segregation eras.
Carroll was a Black single mother who worked day in and day out to support her kids.
Dobbs said she’s seen as someone who broke barriers.
“You feel like you’re sitting outside, you can feel the breeze of the trees, you can feel the warmth of the sun," Dobbs said. "I can only imagine once we have the whole gallery full, it’s going to be an immersive experience."
Mills takes the moment for what it is, and said all she can think about are the good feelings her mother's paintings evoke.
“These are both excellent fond memories of those times,” Mills said.
Family friend Penny Taylor said no one should pass up the opportunity to see Carroll's paintings.
“Just to look at them is precious. It’s a real precious thing," Taylor said. "So, I think everyone should come out and take a look."
Beyond Carroll’s artwork, her daughter said she remembers her for who she was: A strong woman dedicated to her faith.
The exhibition celebrating Carroll’s work will open on April 4 on the first floor of Orlando's City Hall.
The opening reception starts at 6:00 p.m., and members of the public are welcome to attend.
The exhibition runs from April 4 through June 22.