A memorial celebration of the life and art of Rob Brust will take place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28, in the Art Gallery at Penn State New Kensington.
The works of the late artist are on display throughout August in the gallery. The exhibit, "In Memory: The Colorful World of Robert G. Brust," features more than 40 paintings of the Pittsburgh native who died unexpectedly this year at the age of 65.
Working mostly with acrylic on canvas, Brust's painting reflected his interest in science fiction, space exploration and dream analysis. He had numerous one-man shows, exhibited in national juried shows, and won more than 100 awards.
"Rob held true to his vision and painted the colors he saw, and the universe as he imagined it," said Kathy Gilbert, a friend of Brust. "Rob devoted his life to art and supporting other artists along the way."
Brust studied art at Carnegie Mellon University and the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts. He earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from CMU and a master's degree from Connecticut College. He was equally adept with a pen to write as he was with a brush to paint. In addition to painting, he was a freelance writer and editor of the Penn Art Association newsletter.
The longtime resident of Penn Hills was a founding member and past President of Penn Hills Arts Council, and a member of Associated Artists of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh Society of Artists, Penn Art Association, and East Suburban Artists League. The ESAL display is an annual staple of the campus' monthly exhibits.
The exhibit and reception are free to the public. The Gallery is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends.
"In keeping with Rob's love of color, please wear your brightest colors," Gilbert said.
For more information or to R.S.V.P. for the reception, contact Kathy Gilbert, 412-795-4551 or kgilbertpaints@yahoo.com. For photos of the exhibit, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/Information/News/photogallery.htm#num=159C3CQ00-1&id=159C3CQ00-0 online.