2026 State of the Art Prize, Tennessee

About Elisheba Israel Mrozik

Nashville, TN

Elisheba Israel Mrozik is a multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and tattooist whose work bridges fine art, community engagement, and cultural preservation. Born in Memphis, TN, with a BFA from the Memphis College of Art, Elisheba’s creative practice explores Black identity, ancestral connection, and the visual language of liberation. After studying in Japan as a teen, she began to weave global influences into her storytelling. Since moving to Nashville in 2007, she has exhibited at The Frist Art Museum, Vanderbilt University and more. Elisheba founded One Drop Ink Tattoo Parlour in 2011, becoming the first licensed Black tattoo artist in Middle Tennessee. Her studio quickly became a cultural hub, blending sacred art, storytelling, and representation. In 2021, she made history again as the first Black woman to receive a Metro Nashville Public Art Commission, creating an interactive installation at Kossie Gardner Sr. Park. As President of the North Nashville Arts Coalition, she amplifies local artists through initiatives that merge art and community empowerment. She has completed over 40 murals across Tennessee. In 2025, she unveiled her largest and most acclaimed project to date — The Z. Alexander Looby Library Mural, which was installed, dedicated, and named “Best Mural in Nashville” by the Nashville Scene . Through her company QueenBeeInk, Elisheba continues to produce large-scale works that celebrate heritage and imagination. Her art reflects community, honors ancestors, and cultivates beauty in spaces that need it most. Elisheba’s overarching mission continues to combine Fine Art with Community Purpose.

Elisheba Israel Mrozik is a multidisciplinary artist, muralist, and tattooist whose work bridges fine art, community engagement, and cultural preservation. Born in Memphis, TN, with a BFA from the Memphis College of Art, Elisheba’s creative practice explores Black identity, ancestral connection, and the visual language of liberation. After studying in Japan as a teen, she began to weave global influences into her storytelling. Since moving to Nashville in 2007, she has exhibited at The Frist Art Museum, Vanderbilt University and more. Elisheba founded One Drop Ink Tattoo Parlour in 2011, becoming the first licensed Black tattoo artist in Middle Tennessee. Her studio quickly became a cultural hub, blending sacred art, storytelling, and representation. In 2021, she made history again as the first Black woman to receive a Metro Nashville Public Art Commission, creating an interactive installation at Kossie Gardner Sr. Park. As President of the North Nashville Arts Coalition, she amplifies local artists through initiatives that merge art and community empowerment. She has completed over 40 murals across Tennessee. In 2025, she unveiled her largest and most acclaimed project to date — The Z. Alexander Looby Library Mural, which was installed, dedicated, and named “Best Mural in Nashville” by the Nashville Scene . Through her company QueenBeeInk, Elisheba continues to produce large-scale works that celebrate heritage and imagination. Her art reflects community, honors ancestors, and cultivates beauty in spaces that need it most. Elisheba’s overarching mission continues to combine Fine Art with Community Purpose.