A new exhibit on display at Troy University’s International Arts Center celebrates the unique vision and spirit of Alabama artists.

“Alabama Art: Inside Out” combines portraits of Alabama artists created by Nall with selections of each artist’s work to give visitors a deeper understanding of these creative visionaries.

Nall, whose art is collected inside the Fred “Nall” Hollis Museum at the IAC, has long been an avid collector and supporter of his fellow Alabama artists. While he was Artist-In-Residence at TROY, Nall completed a series of portraits of Alabama artists, including Kathryn Tucker Windham, Chip Cooper, Flemming Tyler Wilson, Bill Nance, William Christenberry, Jimmy Lee Sudduth, Charlie Lucas, Yvonne Wells, Mose T., Clifton Pearson, Steve Skidmore and Frank Fleming.

The series was collected in a book, “Alabama Art,” published in 2000. Portraits of artists Bruce Larsen and Betty Sue Matthews were added to the series after the book’s publication.

“Alabama Art: Inside and Out” for the first time displays Nall’s portraits alongside examples of each artist’s work, many pieces from Nall’s personal collection that have been donated to TROY.

“From art made of found materials, to stories told through photography, and history immortalized in the threads that bind a quilt, Nall’s portrait series and collection reveal the beauty and hardship that is ingrained in Alabama,” said Carrie Jaxon, Curator for the IAC. “‘Alabama Art: Inside Out’ helps us further understand the artists that were chosen to be a part of Nall’s series. Through the inclusion of the chosen artists’ work, a deeper connection to the impression that attracted Nall to each artist is revealed. The IAC is proud to bring to light work embodying a colorful, southern culture reflecting Nall’s vision.”

The exhibit is on display at the IAC through Nov. 9. Nall will discuss the exhibit during a reception and art talk on Friday, Sept. 7 from 5-7 p.m. at the gallery, which is open to the public.

The International Arts Center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Weekend hours are available on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free.