Gallery celebrates, discusses Lewis' paintings

The Galleria of Art and Photography in Suntree will honor the late Robert L. Lewis Jr., one of the original 26 Highwaymen artists, during the month of March. 

Galleria owner Rose Marie Capasso is offering the community the chance to learn more about Lewis and his art style.

“We are having coffee and pastries from Amici’s bakery every Thursday morning in March from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at  the Galleria as we talk about the Highwaymen artists and Florida artists,” Capasso said. This is open to the public and at no charge.

“We want to pay homage to a great man in the field of art,” Capasso said. “What set Lewis apart from the other Highwaymen is the fact that he was dedicated to art education and mentoring.”

Lewis taught art at Cocoa High School for 32 years and 20 years at Brevard Community College. He was inducted into the Florida Artist Hall of Fame in 2004. 

Capasso has one of his paintings and will have others on display and discuss at the March coffees. 

Lewis’ work is sometimes referred to as “Florida’s history on canvas.” It is characterized by bold colors and dynamic compositions of Florida landscapes, which capture the beauty of Florida and in particular the Indian River Lagoon where he spent much of his youth outside exploring and fishing with his two brothers.

The Galleria of Art and Photography is at 7720 N. Wickham Road in the Boardwalk Plaza.