Prominent Fort Pierce artist James Gibson is one of eight National Governors Association winners for Distinguished Service to State Government.

Gibson is one of the self-taught “Florida Highwaymen,” a group of self-taught black artists trained by Fort Pierce artist Bean Backus and who sole their vivid portrayals of Florida beach scenes, sunsets and flora out of the trunks of their cars by the side of the road.

Gibson’s a favorite of Gov. Charlie Crist, who’s decorated the mansion and his Capitol offices with Highwaymen paintings and selected this painting by Gibson as his holiday card last year.

Gibson, 71, is a member of the Florida Artists Hall of Fame estimates he’s created about 10,000 paintings since he began in the 1950s. He contributes to charitable events and is active in youth crime prevention programs.

Gibson will receive the award at the NGA annual convention in Biloxi on July 18.