Troy University News

Contact:
Tom Davis
Troy Office of University Relations
334/670-3196
tomdavis@troy.edu

Office of University Relations
253 Adams Administration
Troy, AL 36082
(334) 670-3196
(334) 670-3274 (fax)

Special art auction supports new scholarship at Troy State University

   Troy State University has created a unique scholarship, with the help of an internationally acclaimed artist and several friends of the university.
   The Nall Fine Art Scholarship, named for renowned artist and current TSU artist-in-residence Nall Hollis, will be funded by proceeds from a gala art auction held March 14 in Birmingham. Some 200 people attended the special event, which raised more than $85,000 for the new scholarship.
   The Nall Fine Art Scholarship will enable TSU art students to spend a year studying abroad with the accomplished artist. Nall, a native of Troy, maintains an estate in Vence, France that is home to an art museum and extensive studio and residential space for visiting artists to live and work. Scholarship recipients will work closely with Nall and other professional artists.
   “This scholarship is a tremendous opportunity for Troy State University and our art students, who will benefit from both an international experience and from the experience of working and living in a community of accomplished artists,” said Dr. David Dye, Dean of the College of Communication and Fine Arts. “We thank Nall and the generosity of our friends and supporters for making it possible.”
   Nall said the establishment of the scholarship helps him to pursue two important causes: the support of Alabama’s young artists and the international exchange of art and ideas.
   “This award will be an investment in the future of Alabama’s art,” Nall said, “and will help promote cultural exchange between the United States and France.”
   The gala auction was held at the Birmingham home of Dr. James and Jenelle Andrews. Dr. Andrews is a member of the TSU System board of trustees. Richard M. Scrushy, also a board of trustee member, and his wife, Leslie, served as co-hosts. The event featured food prepared by renowned chef Frank Stitt.
   A variety of artwork and other items were sold at auction, including a week’s stay at a 16th-century farmhouse in Parma, Italy; a portrait sketch of the purchaser by Nall; a full-length mink coat, donated by Pizitz, Inc.; and Nall’s Limoges porcelain series, donated by Bromberg’s, Inc.
   The auction also featured the artwork of Nall and other Alabama artists highlighted in the award-winning show, “Alabama Art,” including paintings by Mose Tolliver and Jimmy Lee Sudduth; a quilt by Yvonne Wells; sculptures by Charlie Lucas; and photographs by Chip Cooper and Flemming Tyler Wilson.
   Dr. Jean Laliberte, Vice President for Advancement at TSU, said the auction served a dual purpose.
   “This was a wonderfully successful event for Troy State University,” she said. “It generated tremendous support for a new scholarship that will benefit our students for years to come. And it also was a great ‘friend-raiser’ for the university.”