Two community groups took guided tours of the Janice Hawkins Cultural Arts Park this week, with Mrs. Hawkins and the artist Nall as their tour guides.
The Cynosure Club from Andalusia and the Montgomery Thespian Club explored the park, including the International Arts Center and its art galleries.
“It’s a wonderful trip, we’re glad to be here, and everybody at the University has been so accommodating,” said Sylvia Johnson, wife of Andalusia Mayor and TROY Board of Trustees member Earl Johnson.
Johnson said other groups should tour the park and see its features, including the terra cotta warriors.
“I think (the park) is a treasure for the state of Alabama,” Johnson said. “TROY has given us a beautiful gift, and I hope that everyone in Alabama and outside of Alabama will take time to come enjoy it. The terra cotta warriors are special, and we appreciate the gifts to our University that also become gifts to our state.”
Nall gave the groups a personalized tour of his art gallery, explaining the thought processes behind some of his work.
“(The Cynosure Club) seemed very interested and amazed, and I think there’s a sense of wonder about him,” Johnson said. “He’s such an interesting person, and (the tour) really made us think.”
The Fred “Nall” Hollis Gallery is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-3:30 p.m. The Hu Bao Zhu Gallery is open 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
