Artist and YSU Professor Emeritus Al Bright is being remembered by the art community, former students he mentored, his family, and friends.

 

Lou Zona, executive director of the Butler Institute of American Art, and one of Brights students, tells us that over 40 years, Bright inspired thousands of students.

 

Zona said, "Everybody loved Al, especially his students. He always had time for the kids. He always had time for the university students. I can't tell you how many students have told me what Al Bright means to them. He influenced me greatly, as a matter of fact. The reason I am in Youngstown is because of Al Bright. He had been hired to run the African American Studies Department, leaving a hole in the art department, and he told them to hire me, and the university did that. That was a number of years ago, and I never forgot it. Bright was excited about art, and that excitement was contagious. He was a good, good man, and genuine. He was particularly fond of African American artists like Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, and Robert S. Duncanson. So many of the African American artists contributed so much to the artist's history of America, and I put Al Bright up there with them. Bright was a man of great faith and devoted to his students, and he wanted the best for them.  The reason I always wear a tie is because of Al Bright. He had his share of prejudice shown against him, some pretty bad experiences in his life growing up. He told me the reason he wears a tie is because it sort of placed him on the level of people who would be critical of him. When I'm tying my tie in the morning, I think of Al Bright, showing me how to make a Windsor knot. I believe Bright would want to be remembered as an artist and teacher who cared deeply about his students and the direction of their lives."

Wayne Gruver, a good friend of Al Bright, said, "I met Bright in the Fine Arts program at YSU, and we have had a relationship for over 20 years. He refers to me as his other son. He has sons and daughters he is very proud of. Al loved to draw and create. He would always be drawing anywhere you went; at the bar, at the restaurant, even at the airport. He had an air about him; people would gravitate toward him. He was knowledgeable, easy to get along with, and he was always looking for information. His goal as a teacher was to see his students succeed farther than he has. Bright told me it's a testament when the student becomes better or does more things, and that's not taking away, but adding to the teacher's success. There are thousands of people who carry on the torch and who have a love of art because of Al Bright. He has left a wonderful legacy. He touched so many people through art and with his interest and kindness. I look at my life and think if I had not met this man, where would I be today? Al has made major changes in people's lives here. I am trying to focus on the good times."

Bright created paintings often on stage with famous jazz musicians performing.  On his path to success, Bright faced adversity and prejudice. The artist, who once thought of going to barber school, graduated from YSU, then earned his graduate degree from Kent State University. 

YSU''s Director of Communications released a statement saying, "We are all saddened here at YSU to hear of the passing of Al Bright. Professor Bright's legacy at YSU is large, as both a graduate, as the university's first African American full-service faculty member, as the founder of the Black Studies/African Studies program and of course, his artwork, which was featured in more than 100 solo exhibitions. He was a tireless advocate for YSU, for our students, and for the entire Mahoning Valley region."