Things To Do on the Treasure Coast May 23, 2023

Spend a day at the Elliott Museum in Stuart

Highwaymen Painting currently at the Smithsonian Institute

The Elliott Museum, located in Stuart, Florida, is a cultural and educational institution that celebrates the history, art, and technology of the Treasure Coast region. The museum offers a wide range of exhibits and collections that showcase the area’s rich heritage and diverse interests. Here are some key features of the Elliott Museum:

  1. Automotive Collection: One of the main highlights of the Elliott Museum is its extensive collection of vintage and classic automobiles. Visitors can admire a variety of beautifully restored cars from different eras, including pre-war, post-war, and modern vehicles.
  2. Art Collection: The museum also houses an impressive collection of artwork featuring regional and national artists. The exhibits cover various mediums, including paintings, sculptures, and photography, showcasing different artistic styles and themes.
  3. Americana and History: The Elliott Museum delves into the history and culture of the Treasure Coast through exhibits on subjects such as local maritime history, citrus farming, and the impact of technology on the region. Visitors can explore artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays that provide insights into the area’s past.
  4. Baseball Hall of Fame: The museum is home to the Baseball Hall of Fame of Martin County, dedicated to honoring local baseball players who have made significant contributions to the sport. The exhibits feature memorabilia, photographs, and stories related to baseball history in the region.
  5. Innovation and Technology: The Elliott Museum also emphasizes the role of innovation and technology in shaping society. Interactive displays showcase advancements in science, industry, and transportation, allowing visitors to engage with hands-on exhibits that highlight technological progress.

Additionally, the Elliott Museum offers educational programs, workshops, and special events throughout the year, providing opportunities for visitors of all ages to learn and engage with the exhibits.

From March 11 through July 14, the Elliott Museum is hosting a special exhibit of paintings by the prolific Highwaymen artists. The exhibit called, “Highwaymen — From the Street Corner to the Smithsonian,” will have more than 50 original, rare paintings.

In the 1950s, a group of African-American artists from the Treasure Coast began painting Florida’s vivid landscapes, looking for a better way to earn a living. The “Highwaymen,”  as they were called, were self-taught and incredibly talented. These enterprising artists sold their paintings out of the trunks of their cars as they traveled Florida’s highways. It is estimated that the group sold more than 200,000 paintings. These paintings are highly prized in the art world. Eighteen Highwaymen paintings are in the Smithsonian Institute – National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington DC.  Don’t miss out on this exhibit as well as the permanent collections at the Elloitt Museum.

By Vivian Caylor, The Paddleboard Realtor

Iconic Highway Painting currently at Smithsonian Institute.