Philo Levi "Chief" Willey

Philo Levi Willey was Born September 26, 1887 in Canaan, Connecticut. With little education and a few dollars in his pocket, Wiley left home at the age of twelve. He traveled throughout the United States, working along the way at many jobs: lumberman, storekeeper, fireman, deckhand, and wagon driver for the Barnum and Bailey Circus. In 1932, he settled in New Orleans and worked his way up to chief of security of the local sewage and water board. His nickname, 'chief', was given to him by his co-workers. To occupy his time after retirement, Wiley began to paint. In Willey's works, he pays particular attention to meticulous details. Willey often displayed his work in New Orleans historic Jackson Square. Willey observed and captured many New Orleans scenes. In the late 1970's, recognition by Robert Bishop, then director of the Museum of American Folk Art, and a subsequent exhibition sponsored by the museum furthered his career. His earliest works were in watercolor, colored pencil, and crayons. Later he preferred acrylic on Masonite, which allowed him to achieve more brilliant color. Wiley died in New Orleans on July 7, 1980. He is credited with creating over 1800 works in the fifteen years that he painted.