Bob Nunn was a celebrated Dallas-based artist and educator whose work and mentorship left a lasting imprint on the Texas art scene. A native of Dallas, Nunn emerged as a pioneering figure in the Deep Ellum arts community during the 1970s, contributing to the neighborhood’s transformation into a vibrant creative hub. His studio at the Continental Gin Building became a cornerstone of the local art movement, and he played a key role in organizing the building’s now-legendary open studio events .

Nunn’s artistic style was marked by finely rendered, imaginative scenes that blended the familiar with the surreal, often incorporating industrial elements like twisted tubes and pipes. His works have been exhibited and collected both nationally and internationally, including a feature in the inaugural exhibition of a new wing at the Dallas Museum of Art in 1984.

Beyond his artistic achievements, Nunn was a dedicated educator, teaching art at various levels for over four decades. He served as a professor at North Lake College (now Dallas College North Lake Campus) for more than 30 years, where he inspired and mentored countless students.

In 2021, the Irving Arts Center hosted a major retrospective of Nunn’s work, showcasing over 80 pieces spanning five decades.

Bob Nunn passed away on August 15, 2023, leaving behind a rich legacy as an artist, educator and community advocate.