Dallas native Bob Nunn was a lifelong art educator who is acknowledged as one of the pioneer Deep Ellum artists. Having maintained his studio in or near that area for nearly 40 years, he figured prominently among those who have contributed to the reputation of Deep Ellum as Dallas “original” Arts District.
In 2019, he established “Artists@1808”, a studio collective of 19 artists in an old factory/warehouse on the southeastern edge of downtown Dallas, bordering both the fabled Deep Ellum and The Cedars areas.
Retired after more than 25 years of instructing at North Lake College, Bob has also been recognized for his significant role in building their nationally acclaimed programs in painting and drawing.
Bob’s work has been acquired by notable institutions and collectors, as well as many private individuals. His paintings and drawings have appeared in exhibitions locally, regionally and nationally, garnering numerous awards that include more than a few “Best Of Show”. Dallas’ new Convention Center hotel (The Omni) commissioned a pair of Bob Nunn paintings – the largest two paintings that he’s ever done – for their permanent collection. For its inaugural exhibition, the Dallas Museum of Art included two of his works. His academic career, significant influence and dedication to art education over the years are well recognized through multiple awards and publications. In 1995, he was selected to receive the first-ever Moss Chumley Award, given by SMU’s Meadows Museum in recognition of his lifelong dedication to artist advocacy. His work has been selected to appear in several editions of Studio Visit magazine and he was honored five successive times in “Who’s Who in Teaching – Colleges and Universities”.