Brian Rust

Brian Rust serves as Professor in the Department of Art and Design at Augusta University's Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, with 25 years of experience as an artist-educator. His studio office (WH 232C) and contact number (706) 667-4869 reflect active campus engagement.

Education

• MFA, Sculpture, University of California, Berkeley, 1989
• BFA, Sculpture, University of Washington, 1986
• AA, Art/Art Studies, General, Columbia Basin College, 1981

Rust's scholarly practice centers on sculptural installation and landscape architecture, blending historical narratives with contemporary material exploration. His humanities-focused approach extends to study abroad programs emphasizing art appreciation within cultural contexts, while foundational coursework establishes technical proficiency in three-dimensional design. This interdisciplinary framework connects studio practice with broader societal discourse through regional artistic engagement.

Exhibition trends reveal sustained participation in Southern U.S. juried competitions, particularly through LaGrange Museum of Art biennials and Belton Center showcases. His work consistently addresses landscape interpretation and historical resonance through sculptural media, with recent emphasis on institutional collections like the Hull-McKnight Building installation. These projects demonstrate evolving integration of environmental consciousness within traditional sculptural forms.

Rust's artistic contributions have received formal recognition:

• Merit Award, LaGrange National Biennial Juried Exhibition XXVIII, LaGrange Museum of Art, 2014
• EcoArt 2013, Proposal Award, LexArts, 2013
• Award of Merit, 2012 Juried Art Exhibition, Belton Center for the Arts, Belton SC, 2012
• Award of Merit, 2010 LaGrange National Biennial XXVI Exhibition, La Grange Museum, Ga, 2010

Through departmental mentorship and Sculpture/Ceramics lab leadership, Rust guides emerging technicians in studio operations while advising scholarship candidates like Chautauqua art school recipients. His committee service spans search committees, strategic planning, and promotion reviews across multiple university tiers, reflecting commitment to academic infrastructure development. External review activities for institutions like University of Alabama demonstrate professional recognition.

The Sculpture/Ceramics laboratory serves as Rust's primary creative hub, recently renovated through his committee leadership (2016-2019). This space facilitates visiting artist collaborations and integrates technical training with conceptual development, maintaining active connections to regional arts networks like Sapelo State of the Arts Conference.