Behind-the-scenes stories of Hollywood celebrities will be on display at the University of Georgia Special Collections Libraries through an exhibit of the life and work of photographer Nancy Ellison.
In the display, Ellison’s stories come to life through her portraits and sce
nes from movie sets featuring legendary actors from Harrison Ford and Jack Nicholson to Sharon Stone, along with other icons of the era such as Mick Jagger and Hillary Clinton.
“Nancy has lived a truly remarkable life, and it was exciting to have her help in shaping this display that follows her life as an artist,” said Jan Hebbard, exhibit coordinator who curated the exhibit from Ellison’s collection, which has been donated to the Hargrett Rare Book and Manuscript Library. “The exhibit is Nancy in her own words, using her personal stories to describe her artistic process and the many different people she has worked with over her long career.”
The exhibit, entitled Seeking Intrinsic Essence, Whatever Direction: The Photography of Nancy Ellison follows the photographer’s path to portray the human side of Hollywood’s biggest stars of the ‘70s, ‘80s, and ‘90s. Alongside the peek into celebrity lives, the exhibit exposes the inspirations and process of the artist and poet who documented that unique time in California. It continues with Ellison’s later career capturing New York’s performing arts scene as a photographer for prestigious opera and ballet organizations.
In the fall, Ellison will visit campus to discuss her life and work. The Sept. 10 conversation, scheduled for 6 p.m. is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be provided.
The exhibit, which opened July 24, will remain on display until Dec. 23. Galleries at the UGA Special Collections Libraries Building are open to visitors for free from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with extended evening hours until 7 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information or to schedule a tour, visit libs.uga.edu/scl.