Features Editor

With the return of Nall Hollis as artist-in-residence in the Troy State University department of art and design in January, a

rare opportunity to study with a master will be available to students and members of the community.

The international- acclaimed artist, known professionally as Nall, was the artist-in-residence during the spring 2001 semester and, will again, maintain a studio on campus and work daily with apprentices.

Some students have taken advantage of this unique study opportunity, however, a few slots are still available by calling the TSU department of art and design at 670-3391.

Jere Johnson, chairman of the TSU department of art and design, said Nall has expressed a desire to open the apprenticeships to members of the community, as well as TSU students. Any member of the community who is interested in studying with Nall may inquire at the department of art and design.

"We are excited about the return of Nall," Johnson said. "The methodology he brings to the department is interesting to say the least.

And, he offers our students an opportunity to see the business side of art as well as the production side."

Johnson said having Nall as artist-in-residence has provided opportunities for his apprentices beyond their wildest dreams.

"Nall has generated more interest and more conversation about art than anyone has been able to generate in a long time – in the public schools, at the university, in the community and among untrained, outsider artists," he said. "Many people have been touched by his presence. He brings an excitement and energy that has not been generated in the fine arts in a long time. He came in and stirred the pot a little bit and art has been produced in response to that."

During his first term as artist-in-residence at TSU, Nall held a gala auction in Birmingham to raise seed money for a scholarship fund that provides study opportunities for TSU students at his studio in Europe.

The Troy native, studied at the prestigious L ‘Ecole Des Beaux Arts in Paris and later worked with famed artists, Salvador Dali and Lucien Coutaud. He is known in the United States and Europe for his paintings that combine vivid realism and intricate details to convey psychological themes. His works include collage paintings, black-and-white portraits and watercolor landscapes.

Nall’s subjects have

included Prince Albert of Monaco, former Beetle, Ringo Starr, and actress Barbara Bach.

The past recipient of a Fulbright Scholar Grant

has created a collection of fine porcelain – commissioned by Limoges – that is sold throughout the United States and Europe.