The YSU Foundation is announcing the creation of the Al Bright Memorial Scholarship Fund, named after the first full-time African-American faculty member at Youngstown State University.
A renowned artist and educator, Al Bright’s teaching career spanned 40 years. In 1965, he began his tenure at YSU, graduating the year prior with a bachelor’s degree in art education and later earning a master’s in painting at Kent State University. He was the founding director of YSU’s Black Studies/Africana Studies program from 1970-1987.
Bright was known for his live painting performances, which he intertwined with his love of jazz. His art can be found in both private and public collections around the world.
“One of Al’s greatest contributions to YSU was his unwavering kindness and encouragement to his students. I would look into the painting studio, and there was Al with a big smile on his face and surrounded by his adoring students,” said Greg Moring, associate dean and professor at YSU’s Cliffe College of Creative Arts and Communication.
During his lifetime, he had 100 solo exhibitions, including shows at the Butler Institute of American Art, Stanford University, and Amherst University. Additionally, he received numerous honors, such as being a three-time recipient of YSU’s Distinguished Professor Award, Who’s Who in American Art, and Who’s Who in Black America.
After Bright died in October, the Branch and Bright families endowed a scholarship in his honor. The scholarship is open to full-time undergraduate students of at least sophomore class standing who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree in art at YSU. Students must complete a free application for federal student aid and scholarship application.
YSU President Jim Tressel called Bright a “. . . tireless advocate for YSU, for our students and the entire Mahoning Valley region.”
The YSU Foundation is a 501 (c) nonprofit organization and the sole fundraising arm of Youngstown State University. For over 50 years, the foundation has provided educational opportunities for YSU students pursuing higher education. For information, contact the YSU Foundation at 330-941-3211.
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‘An Evening with Art and Jazz.’ Artist Al Bright paints to the jazz stylings of Joe Augustine at Stambaugh Auditorium in 2013. (Video courtesy of Ron Flaviano and Homeplate Media)
