This year marks the 25th anniversary of Nall Hollis’ Alabama Art Exhibit.

Nall was born in Troy April 21, 1948, to Mary Winifred Nall Hollis and Joe Frost Hollis. He graduated from the University of Alabama and was accepted to study at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, France. Nall became a well-known artist throughout Europe and later returned to Alabama. He served as an artist in residence at Troy University.

In 2000, Nall organized the Alabama Art Exhibit, highlighting 13 artists with different areas of expertise. Nall produced a portrait of each of the artists, displayed with the individual’s art work. The resulting book, Alabama Art, is now permanently housed in the Mobile Museum of Art.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of Nall’s showcase of Alabama Art. In conjunction with the Alabama Art Exhibit, Nall also published a limited edition set of playing cards.

Things have a way of disappearing, then showing up at unexpected places and unexpected times.  Tucked way back in a desk drawer, was a card-size folder, titled “Alabama Art, 52 Playing Cards.”  There was no need to guess. Who else but Nall?

In his own words:

“Before television, I spent many moments playing cards with family and friends, laughing and socializing around a front porch table or under the wisteria arbor. These memories are captured in the portraits of many of Alabama’s best known painters, photographers writers and sculptures. The symbols of each suite are typical of Alabama’s abundant flora: Pecans equal spades, Camellia (the state flower) equals hearts; Dogwood Berry equals diamonds and Cotton boll equals clubs.

They represent our natural agricultural abundance, as well as Alabama’s spiritual fiber

Her colors, red and white are capotted in the camellia painting done for the backs of the cards.

The shape of the state of Alabama is filled with symbols representing her many rivers, streams and lakes, as well at Mobile Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Pinecone shingles enhance the frames, symbolic of lowland taxes and the whispering longleaf pine that sings one to sleep on warm summer nights.

And there is the screened-in porch door latch that serves as the sole protection against intruders. These simple symbols represent a way of life – a luxury that still exists in many small towns in Alabama.”

— Nall 2005

Nall divided his time between working between the Alabama Gulf Coast and the French Riviera. What a tough life for an Alabama boy.

Unforgettable Alabama Artists on DECK!