Children's Illustrator Shows Art in Murfreesboro

By: Chanelle Despins

Middle Stew Reporter

           

            MURFREESBORO, Tenn. – A nationally known children's illustrator showed his work to the public in The Leslie Hall School of Dance building from Nov. 16-17 as part of the 19^th annual "Studio Art Tour".

            Norris Hall is a 59-year-old children's illustrator with a degree in fine arts who works primarily with pediatrician dentists. When he introduced a series of clocks with animated characters brushing their teeth, his business became popular in many pediatrician dentist offices.  He works with companies to help decorate dentists' offices around the nation.

            Norris illustrates children’s books and any project in his interest such as wall signs, office decorations, graphic design and printing. He started his artist career in Gatlinburg, Tenn., drawing caricatures of tourists on the streets.

            Norris used to participate in a lot of craft fairs but works mostly with corporations. His job entails him to work 10 to 14 hours each day. He's wanted to work with children's illustrations since he was little. The Norris Hall Studio was published in 1987 and since then he has been privileged to work with Disney, Charter Communications, and Tennessee Performing Arts Center.

            “Even as a kid, I fantasized about having my own cartoon show,” Norris said. "I try to do stuff that is fun, upbeat, positive and goofy.”

            The “Studio Art Tour” is an annual event that is held in Rutherford County. About six artists open their studios to show their work and perform demonstrations to the public. To find out more information about The “Studio Art Tour” their website is www.artstudiotour.org.

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