Brian Fencl

Brian Fencl is a Professor of Art and Director of the Nutting Gallery at West Liberty University. He holds an MFA in Drawing from the New York Academy of Art (2000) and a BFA in Illustration from Art Center College of Design (1990). His work spans over three decades of exhibitions across the US and Italy, focusing on contemporary visual arts, drawing, and interdisciplinary practices.

Research interests include traditional and experimental approaches to drawing, art education methodologies, and the intersection of art with social commentary. He has organized major events like the Paint Oglebay Park plein air festival and led residencies including the NYAA x Voice NFT residency (2022) and Cuttyhunk Artist Residency (2019).

Exhibitions reflect diverse themes from kitsch critique to regional cultural identity, with recent works displayed at the David L. Dickerson Fine Arts Gallery and Beckley Art Center. His teaching spans drawing, art history, and digital media, including roles as AP Studio Art Portfolio Reader since 2017.

• Awarded West Liberty’s Faculty Excellence in Teaching (2022)
• Recipient of Best of WV Juror’s Award (2022) and multiple Professor of the Year titles
• Directed the Nutting Gallery since 2020 and led the Visual Art Department until 2020

Organized the annual Extreme Art Night since 2002 and served on the Faculty Senate (2004–2018). Maintains active ties with regional institutions like the West Virginia Governor’s School for the Arts and the Carnegie Museum of Art.