Features Editor

When internationally acclaimed artist and Troy native Nall

Hollis asked Eva Green to be curator of the Alabama Art Exhibition, she thought there would be a few perks with the position. However, she had no idea just how "perky" they would be.

Green has been an invited guest at several art exhibitions in Alabama and Florida and has gotten to hobnob with the "who’s who" in the Alabama art world.

And, on Thursday, she will leave for what promises to be the trip of a lifetime.

She will be the guest of Nall and his wife, Tuscia, at their home in Vence in the south of France and will also attend the opening of Nall’s art exhibition in Paris, which is sponsored by Christian Dior.

"The exhibition is titled ‘The Christian Dior Show’ and it features Nall’s paintings and portraits," Green said. "I talked to him the other day and he has just completed a seven-foot mosaic for the show and I’m sure that is going to be one of the most popular pieces in the show. I’m as excited about The Christian Dior Show as I am about going to France – well almost."

Green has flown before, but never "across the ocean" and "never to a foreign country."

"I wasn’t really apprehensive about flying because of all the extra security measures that are being taken," Green said. "Now, after the crash of Flight 587, I’ve got to worry about the plane. But, I’m still very excited. This is going to be a great experience."

Green plans to do a lot of sightseeing during the week she spends in France.

"Nall told me to bring my walking shoes, so I’m sure he and Tuscia will show me sites that tourists might not see," she said. "But, I do want to see the popular tourist sites and, of course, I’m going to shop, shop, shop. And, I do want to do some touring on my own. I’m going to put on my walking shoes and put a sign on my back that says, ‘Lost’ in French."

Other Troy residents, Janice and Katie Hawkins and Corley Chapman Jr., will also be guests of Nall and Tuscia for the opening of The Christian Dior Show.

"I’m sure this will be a special treat for all of us," Green said. "Nall is a highly acclaimed artist and his talent is very much appreciated here and abroad. It is an honor to be a part of the opening of The Christian Dior Show."

Nall will return to Troy in January when he will again join the faculty of Troy State University as artist-in- residence.

He is the founder of the Alabama Art Museum for which the seed was planted in Troy during the spring 2001.