The human figures in Fran Nagy's work are depicted from the back as they embark on a metaphorical journey of life. Through her work, she strives to convey rich emotions of strength, peace, sorrow, and a sense of belonging to something larger than one’s own self. 

Fran Nagy’s contemporary acrylic paintings convey a visually powerful humanitarian message - reminding the viewer of the journey and the assimilation of Native Americans in the Southeastern US during the 1800s. The landscapes are obscured, and the human figures are viewed from the back, faceless, moving toward an unknown destination. The paintings contain real feathers and leaves, symbolic of the value of the lands. Nagy’s work stirs rich emotions for what has passed and questions what lies ahead for humanity.

The artwork is acrylic on canvas stretched over cradle panels, with feathers and resin. Some paintings incorporate leaves and mica. Mounted in a custom-made floating wood frame with a built-in French cleat.

REPRESENTATION

Slate Gray Gallery, Telluride, CO

Grand Bohemian Gallery, Mountain Brook, AL

Grand Bohemian Lodge, Greenville, SC

PAST EXHIBITS

Slate Gray Gallery, Telluride, CO, 2021, 2023

Eastern Shore Art Center, Fairhope, AL, 2021

Group Exhibit - SCAC Robin Metz Competition, 2023

Chief Black Crow, Fran Nagy. 36x48

PAST GROUP EXHIBITIONS

The Art Center Highland Park, IL. - Contemporary Native American Art 2018

Lighthouse Art Gallery, Tequesta, Fl. - “Wearable Art” juried group show 2017

Little House Gallery, Homewood, AL. - represented artist 2010-2017

Birmingham Botanical Gardens, AL. - “Converge” 2015

Vasefinder International Exhibition - by invitation 2009-2013, 2014

Alabama Clay Market - by invitation 2013, 2014

Robertson Gallery, Mobile, AL - represented artist 2010

Heads-Up Alabama, State-wide tour - “Open an Eye-Release Your Imagination” 2010

Becca Gallery, New Orleans, LA. - 12x12x12 “The Climax” juried group show 2009

Robin's Tribe, Fran Nagy. 48x23

AWARDS/RECOGNITION

Everyscape EAP 360 Competition

First Place: 4 awards “most creative; holiday theme; real estate; and retail” 2017 First Place: “best content” 2016

Picnic for the Planet, Nature Conservancy, Birmingham AL. 2012

Grand Prize: “The Owls”

9th International Ceramics Competition Mino Japan 2011

Honorable Mention: “The Connected Couple” Judges: Osamu Suzuki, Kristina Riska, Rupert Faulkner, Makoyo Koizumi, Fumi Kimura, Woo Kwanho, Kenji Kaneko, Toru Enomoto

San Sophia Tribe, Fran Nagy. 48x36, Private Collection

The San Sophia Tribe piece was selected for the cover of the Telluride Gallery Guide, Winter/Spring 2023 edition. 

TEACHING ARTIST

Imagine Partners in Art, Avondale, AL. Owner and Instructor 2005-2010

Stone Creek Montessori School, Pelham, AL. 1st-12th Art Teacher

VISITING ARTIST

Spark Sloss, ceramic lecture 2017

Artisans on the Plaza, Hoover Library guest artist 2009

Vestavia Art Association, hand-building demonstration 2008

Liberty Park Elementary guest artist 2008

Avondale Library guest artist 2008

Hoover/Shelby Art Association judge 2008 & 2009

PUBLICATIONS

artsBHAM, 1/2015 visual arts, by Michael Huebner

Shelby County Living, 7/2012 issue, by Laura Brookhardt

POTTERS’ PAGES, 3/2012, volume 11-6, by The Potters Council of The American Ceramic Society

Telluride, Inside by Susan Viebrock, August 2021

Telluride, Gallery Guide Winter/Spring 2023 Magazine

Discover more about Fran Nagy

FranjNagy.com

Related Studio Notes Art Blog

This artist’s work connects to a Studio Notes art blog that explores related ideas, materials, and ways of working—offering guidance for artists who want to dig deeper into their process and creative thinking.

→ Read the related Studio Notes: Connections, Familiarity and Repetition

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