City of Columbus

A native of northeastern Mississippi and the son of a former slave, Elijah Pierce came to Columbus in 1924.

A barber by profession, Mr. Pierce has used the pocket knives and chisels of the woodcarver to create internationally acclaimed works of art, depicting Biblical impressions, portraits and scenes from his life. His work has been exhibited in the National Museum of American Art of the Smithsonian Institution, as well as other prestigious galleries across the nation.

Elijah Pierce’s contribution to American fold art has been recognized by the National Endowment for the Arts, with a National Heritage Fellowship.