Brian Rust, professor of art and interim chair of the Department of Art, was named the Artist of the Year by the Greater Augusta Arts Council (GAAC). Each year, the GAAC honors individuals and businesses for their contributions to the arts in the Central Savannah River Area.
“These winners all show a commitment to quality in their service to the arts,” explains Brenda Durant, Greater Augusta Arts Council director. “The partnership and dedication that they have shown throughout the year have been tremendous. They understand the impact that the arts have on our local economic growth and quality of life.”
Mr. Rust says he was excited to learn that he had been nominated for the award. “I’ve been in Augusta for 17 years, and it is good to be recognized for my cultural achievement,” he says.
Mr. Rust is nationally recognized for his large-scaled sculpture and temporary installation art, and he has been featured on both Georgia Public Broadcasting and South Carolina ETV. He has exhibited in venues throughout the United States including the Henry Lay Sculpture Park in Louisiana, Mo.; the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson; Stone Quarry Hill Art Park in Cazenovia, N.Y.; Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo; the University of Tennessee in Knoxville; and the Mid-Columbia Arts Center in Kennewick, Wash.
He also has participated in the Djerassi Resident Artist Program in Woodside, Calif., being a resident artist at the Hambidge Center in Rabun Gap, Ga., and at the Connemara Nature Conservancy in Dallas.
A native of Washington, he received a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Washington in Seattle and a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of California at Berkeley.
Jun 30, 2009
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