An Evening with Florida Highwaymen James Gibson

"An Evening with Florida Highwaymen James Gibson" (Friday)
Art Exhibit/Sale by James Gibson (Saturday)

Location: Catherine A. Hickman Theatre, 5501 27th Avenue South, Gulfport, Florida

Dates:
Friday, December 11, 2009 6 pm to 10 pm
Saturday, December 12, 2009 10 am to 4 pm

Description: Benefit for the Gulfport Arts Center. Friday evening features theatre discussion with Florida Highwaymen Artist James Gibson*, documentary film on the Highwaymen by New York filmmaker Julia D'Amico, sale/exhibit by Mr. Gibson of his original works, and silent auction of piece donated by Mr. Gibson. Activities continue following day, Saturday, with sale/exhibit by Mr. Gibson, and valuations of old Florida art by Robert LeBlanc, a respected appraiser and dealer in vintage Florida art and works by the Highwaymen artists. Mr. LeBlanc will also have vintage Florida Highwaymen art available for sale.

Admission: $5.00 Friday or Saturday.

Valuations: Saturday art valuations $5.00 per piece, not included in admission.

Sponsorship: Sponsored by the Gulfport Arts Center. Lodging for Mr. Gibson provided courtesy of the Seabreeze Manor Bed & Breakfast Inn.

Information: Email info@gulfportartscenter.org

* Florida Highwaymen Artist James Gibson, a 2004 inductee into the Florida Artist's Hall of Fame, is one of the best known of the 26 Florida Highwaymen Artists. Growing up in the segregated South over 50 years ago, Mr. Gibson made a choice to work at developing his artistic abilities and interest in painting, rather than following more traditional job paths of that era available to his fellow African American classmates. Now in his 70's, he has never stopped painting. Since he first began painting in 1959, Mr. Gibson has created thousands of beautiful pieces of art, most depicting the beauty of Florida's nature. Today, his work can be found in the Governor's mansion in Tallahassee (and on Governor Crist's 2008 Christmas card), in the private collection of the King and Queen of Spain, in the Stephen Spielberg film "Catch Me If You Can," and in numerous museums, art galleries and private collections. Though internationally recognized and having enjoyed so much success, Mr. Gibson continues to give back generously to the community. He has donated his time to appear at the December 11th and12th benefit for the Gulfport Arts Center.