Columbus State University Archives and Special Collections

HomeExploring the Past: Buena Vista, Marion County Heritage TourMarion County Heritage Tour11. Pasaquan

11. Pasaquan

This visionary arts environment located in the heart of Marion County was the creation of one of its native sons, Eddie Owens Martin (1908-1986), also known as St. EOM. Born in the now vanished community of Glen Alta, the son of a sharecropper, Martin. He left Marion County at the age of 14 and headed to New York. At first, Martin was a hustler on the city streets. Later, he read people's fortunes. In addition, he spent time in the city’s art museums and even travelled to Mexico City. However, at harvest time, Martin would always return to his mother’s home to help out.

When his mother died, he inherited her home which he considered a canvas where he could freely express himself.

Pasaquan, Marion County, Georgia. Photograph courtesy of Alisa Williams, 2016.

After his death in April of 1986, St. EOM’s Pasaquan was placed into the care of the Pasaquan Preservation Society. In, The Kohler Foundation of Wisconsin began an expansive restoration of the site and in 205 gifted it to Columbus State University. Pasaquan today offers an eclectic mix of styles inspired by the artwork from the Pacific region’s Easter Island to Pre-Columbian Central America. In addition, St. EOM’s art can be seen outside of Pasaquan in the National Museum of American Art in Washington, D. C. the American Folk Art Museum in New York City, the Los Angeles County Museum of Art in California, and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, Georgia.

Submission composed by Alisa Williams, April 16, 2016

References and Further Reading

Fussell, Fred C. “St. EOM (1908-1986).” New Georgia Encyclopedia. 06 December 2013.

Joiner, Dorothy M. “Martin, Eddie Owens (St. EOM).” The New Encyclopedia of Southern Culture Vol. 23. 2013.