Troy University officials, alumni and friends were in New York April 12-13 to celebrate the opening of the “Alabama Art” exhibit at 55 Water Street , a 15-person show featuring the work of Alabama artist. The artist Nall helped to curate the exhibit and worked with each artist to render their individual portrait to be included in the exhibit. In addition to Nall, the exhibit features the work of Chip Cooper, Charlie Lucas, Clifton Pearson, Yvonne Wells, Kathryn Tucker Windham, William Christenberry, Frank Fleming, Bill Nance, Betty Sue Matthews, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Mose “T,” Bruce Larsen, the late Steve Skidmore and the late Fleming Tyler Wilson.

Troy University has been a part of “Alabama Art” from the beginning, housing the show when it is not traveling and arranging for its transport to New York . Long-time supporter of Nall’s efforts to promote Alabama artists nationally and internationally, Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of Troy University , and his wife Janice and daughter Kelly made the trip to celebrate the opening. Troy University staff members Sandi Gouge, Eva Green, Faith Ward and Professor Ed Noriega were also present. Others attending the opening included Dr. David Bronner, Mr. and Mrs. Edgar Weldon, Lori Seigelman, Sen. Wendell Mitchell, BaBa Hendricks, Virginia Bush, Kathy Campbell, Conley Chapman, Al and Judy Head, Jeanie Thompson, Mr. and Mrs. Wayne Greenhaw, Wiley White, Penny Weaver and other TROY alumni from the New York area. Even T-Roy, the University’s mascot, made the trip and posed for photographs with a large contingent of Troy alums and friends.

Dr. Bronner played a vital role in bringing the work of Alabama artists to a national stage by arranging for the showing at 55 Water Street , a Retirement Systems of Alabama building. Other sponsors of  “Alabama Art” are the New Water Street Corporation, the Retirement Systems of Alabama, the Alabama Bureau of Tourism and Travel, the Alabama State Council on the Arts, Imprimerie Trulli, Ken Sunshine Consultants, Monaco Communications, Wings World Conquest, One World Foundation and the Nall Foundation.

Nall served as artist-in-residence at Troy University for 2000-2001, maintaining a studio on the Troy Campus, working with student apprentices and serving as a guest lecturer. He was honored by Troy University with an honorary doctorate degree in May 2001.