Discovery District in Columbus in Franklin County, Ohio — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Elijah Pierce
For most of his life, Mr. Pierce earned his living as a barber in a two-room barber shop which he built on this site in 1954. The shop also served as the gallery to display his carvings. Also a licensed preacher, Mr. Pierce often told stories that contained important lessons about life, and often used his carvings to illustrate a fable, proverb, or Bible story. In addition to the religious focus, secular themes such as politics, current affairs, sports, his autobiography, and his menagerie were included in his repertoire.
Elijah Pierce did not seek fame, but his work won recognition in art exhibitions and has been displayed in art galleries and museums throughout the world. He is recognized as one of America’s leading folk artists.
This statue, created by Steven Weilzman, was commissioned by Columbus State Community College and dedicated on November 9, 2000 to, honor the life of Elijah Pierce.
Erected 2000 by Columbus State Community College.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features. A significant historical month for this entry is November 2002.
Location. 39° 58′ N, 82° 59.237′ W. Marker is in Columbus, Ohio, in Franklin County. It is in the Discovery District. Marker is at the intersection of Long Street and Washington Avenue, on the left when traveling east on Long Street. Marker is in front of the Columbus State Community College parking garage on northeast corner of intersection. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Columbus OH 43215, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. James Thurber (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church (about 800 feet away); King Lincoln District Arch (approx. 0.2 miles away); Donn Vickers Gazebo in Thurber Park (approx. 0.2 miles away); Home Site of Henry Howe — Historian (approx. 0.2 miles away); Wesley Chapel Methodist Church (approx. ¼ mile away); Washington Gladden (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Patrick Church / St. Patrick College and Aquinas College High School (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Columbus.
Also see . . . Elijah Pierce and his work. (Submitted on March 21, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on February 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 2,046 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 12, 2009, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • Christopher Busta-Peck was the editor who published this page.