Columbus Landmark Black Art Plus Has Closed

After four decades of operation on Parsons Avenue, owner George Miller has retired from his storefront.

Updated on Sept. 19, 2026 in African-American

Screen-print poster illustration of an empty ornate art frame on an easel on a brick sidewalk, evoking the closure of a local business. — Black Art Plus, a Columbus cultural fixture on Parsons Avenue for four decades, permanently closed its doors following the loss of its storefront. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Black Art Plus, a Columbus fixture specializing in paintings, books, and collectibles, has ended its 40-year run. The store, operated by 93-year-old George Miller, held its final day of business on September 19, 2026.

Why it matters

The closure marks the end of a long-standing cultural institution in Columbus that provided a dedicated space for African-American art and literature. The store was forced to shutter after losing its long-term building space on Parsons Avenue.

Founded in 1986, the shop functioned as a retail hub for figurines and collectibles for four decades. The 93-year-old owner, George Miller, has officially retired from the storefront operations.

The players

George Miller

He is the 93-year-old owner and operator of Black Art Plus who has now retired after 40 years of service.

Black Art Plus

This was a long-standing Columbus retail store that specialized in African-American art, literature, and collectible figurines.

The details

The decision to close followed the loss of the store's physical space on Parsons Avenue. George Miller, the store's founder and sole operator, cited the need for a less demanding occupation at age 93 as a primary reason for the retirement.

Black Art Plus first opened for business in 1986.
The final day of operations occurred on September 19, 2026.

Culture Shift

The closure of Black Art Plus highlights the broader trend of independent retail storefronts fading as aging business owners face building lease or ownership challenges. This departure reflects a larger societal shift in how local communities lose legacy cultural hubs during urban development cycles.

Residents and collectors will no longer have access to the physical selection of books and paintings previously available at the Parsons Avenue location. The loss of this long-term business marks a change in the local retail landscape for those who frequented the shop.

The takeaway

Legacy retail spaces often act as essential anchors for community identity and cultural preservation. When these shops close, it creates a void in the local historical narrative that is difficult to replace.