John Pierce

John Pierce's life defies easy definition. Though he's achieved success in acting, B&B hospitality, and even political directing, his true passion lies in the world of art. Raised in a home that celebrated artistic expression, John dabbled in painting, drawing, and sculpture, nurturing his own creative spark.

After studying art at Academy of Art College, San Francisco and UC Berkeley, during the 80s and early 90s John was an active participant in NYC’s downtown arts, music and club scene, rubbing elbows with some of the very artists he’d end up representing later such as William Rand, Andy Warhol and Jean Michel Basquiat. By the mid-90s acting ultimately took center stage, leading him from classes to LA theaters and national commercials. Despite focusing on the daunting task of being a working actor, John's fascination with art remained constant. He actively collected art with his husband, Mark Hoffman, further deepening his appreciation for artistic expression. After moving to the Northfork in 2021, Mark and John created an art space that culminated in the opening of WILLOUGHBY, a flourishing art Salon they co-founded with renowned curator Pamela Willoughby.

John learned the practice of art curation and with the success of the Salon is his testament, he fostered a vibrant space showcasing the works of established and emerging artists. Co-hosting salon shows such as “Bee Sting” and “When I Paint My Masterpiece,” John represented artists and photographers William Rand, Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol, Susannah Wainhouse, Joe Gaffney, Marcia Resnik, Steve Miller, Johan Wahlstrom, Nathan Slate Joseph, Blair Seagram, Agathe Snow, Larry Rivers, Peter Dayton, Randy Polumbo, Rene Ricard, Dawn DeDeaux, Jeff Koons, Christa Mailwald, Vito Acconi and Julian Schnabel. 

Photo: Samir Almandi