Entry No. 7 — the Savannah file — filed under: folk art

Beach Institute African-American Cultural Center — Ulysses Davis Collection

Ulysses Davis worked as a Savannah barber (and earlier as a railroad blacksmith), yet carved constantly with his barbershop tools, and his shop doubled as a gallery. The Beach Institute now holds the largest single collection of his work — over 240 wood sculptures — including miniature busts of every U.S. president from Washington through George H.W. Bush.

The move: Walk the Clemmons Galleries slowly to find every presidential bust plus Davis's stranger carvings of African figures and fantastical creatures, then step next door to the King-Tisdell Cottage, which the same foundation operates.

📍 Savannah Historic District
💸 $
⚡ Up for anything
🌗 Indoors

Where: 502 E Harris St, Savannah, GA 31401

Hours: Added 2026-07-20 — confirm current hours before you go.

#folk art #self-taught artist #wood carving #outsider art #single collector

Plan a visit & invite your people →

Further reading: Wikipedia · gosouthsavannah.com

last checked: 2026-07-20