The Story of Nall
Nall—renowned artist and native son of Alabama, spent his life surrounded by color and creativity.
His hands could convey feelings through the language of art better than words. Over his lifetime, Nall created hundreds of works: bold canvases, intricate sketches, elaborate frames, and sophisticated sculptures with the power to pause breath with its beauty, boldness, and depth.
The End… or a Beginning?
When Nall passed away, the world lost more than an artist. It lost a voice. A vision. A soul whose life was poured into his art. His studio remains just as it was—silent, still, filled with the echoes of a life devoted to creating.
But Nall didn’t leave behind just artwork.
He left behind a legacy—that he trusted that would live on in a community and institution that he loved deeply:
Troy University.
A Vision for the Future
Nall believed in Troy. He believed in its students. Its mission. Its heart.
And it was Troy University First Lady, Mrs. Janice Hawkins, long-time friend and champion of both Nall and this university, who stepped forward and said:
“This isn’t the end. This is a beginning.”
Thanks to her dedication, friendship, and vision, we now have the chance to turn Nall’s legacy into something living, something lasting, something inspirational.
What was his message?
In a 1988 interview, Nall was asked:
“When it is all said and done, what is the message that you want to leave behind with your art?”
His answer:
“Having no children...my legacy is my art and the seeds that I have planted in the minds of apprentices over the last 30 years. The artwork reveals the message...a strong work ethic, a concentration on the trials of humanity and its beauty found in every living thing.”
These were Nall’s words—his purpose, his intention, and his truth.
And this is what we carry forward.
A Living Classroom
What if Nall’s life’s work became not just a tribute—but a launchpad? Not just an art collection to curate, but a real engine for education, creativity, and entrepreneurship?
Imagine this:
We turn Nall’s collection into a living classroom.
Art History students catalog the works.
Marketing students build a brand for the Nall Collection.
Graphic design students develop exhibit materials.
Business students plan real-world exhibitions and merchandise.
Journalism students tell his story to the world.
Arts Administration and Event Management student internships at the Fairhope Gallery.
They’re not just learning—they’re building something REAL.
Education Meets Enterprise
The life and works of Nall aren’t just topics for various class projects—it
becomes a real business. We envision:
Digital archives and virtual gallery built through the work of computer science students.
Licensing and merchandising ideas shaped by marketing and entrepreneurship students.
Making the Fairhope Gallery a learning lab for business and art students.
The profits? They go right back into supporting the mission of the Nall Institute—to cover staff
and gallery expenses, fund student scholarships, support guest artists to teach and exhibit, and
numerous other mission driven activities.
Through the Nall Institute, his legacy continues to teach, to inspire, to matter.
Why It Matters
Because in every piece of art he created, Nall planted seeds of inspiration and creativity.
And now, those seeds begin to grow into endless possibilities through the lives of Troy students.
Because education should never be confined by the walls of the classroom if we want graduates
who are both job and life ready.
Nall’s death could’ve been the final chapter.
Instead—because of his love for Troy and his trust in Dr. and Mrs. Janice Hawkins—his gift is
not a burden, it becomes the prologue to something extraordinary.
Legacy in Motion
This is more than a business model.
It’s a living legacy.
It’s purpose.
It’s impact.
And it starts right here—at Troy—with one artist who gave everything to his work…
Who had no children of his own…
But saw every student as a bearer of the seeds he planted.
Legacy isn’t what we leave behind.
It’s what we inspire next.