Page 42 - AARF 2019-2020

Willie Reagan
Recognizing Jim Fitch

“It’s All about Florida.”

by Gary Monroe

I reached out to Jim Fitch early heart of a merchant.” He explained
in 1997, soon after beginning my that his primary interest was about
research for The Highwaymen: how these artists fit into “Florida’s
Florida’s African-American contemporary art tradition.” I
Landscape Painters. Jim, I knew, also sensed that how the painters
coined the term “The Highwaymen.” marketed their artwork fit into his
His dubbing was tantamount to thinking about the art world. That
a proprietary claim then, when feeling was telling; my interest
next to nothing was known about complemented his.
these artists and even less was I enjoyed Jim and his
understood about their art. I did generous spirit and I felt that
not want to trespass. Though I I had something better than
wasn’t looking for his permission permission–I had his blessing.
to continue my research, I wanted Before getting carried away on this
Jim to know my plans, and that I sentiment, something occurred
came in peace, on friendly terms. to me–he was relieved. When he
So I called, we met in his hometown passed the torch to me, I noticed a
of Sebring, and I asked him if slight smirk on his face. Of course,
my work would cause him any at that time, he knew more than
discomfort. His reply was classic I and everyone else about the
Jim Fitch. He was gracious when Highwaymen. I came to understand
he said, and this is rather close to that it wasn’t quite his blessing I
verbatim, “No, not at all. I have the was receiving.
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