Artist Ruth Brenn Feted at Merillat Centre
FOR RELEASE: Monday, August 28, 1995
HUNTINGTON, IN -- An exhibition of the works of local sculptor Ruth Brenn will open at the Robert E. Wilson Gallery of the Merillat Centre for the Arts on September 5. The exhibit will feature works reflecting the artist's passion for movement, music and dance. The Merillat Centre will host a public reception for the artist on Friday, September 8, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.Ruth Brenn began her art career almost by accident. In 1961, this mother of five learned that one of her daughters needed to drop out of an art course at the old Fort Wayne Art School. When Mrs. Brenn was told the fee for the course could not be refunded, she signed up to take the course herself.
She credits her first instructor, Forrest Stark, as her "angel." He encouraged her to set aside familiar oil paints and try her hand at charcoal sketching. Encouraged by her success with this new media, she later dabbled in sculpture and found her best form of expression to convey "a sense of happiness and release." Today, she sculpts in wax, clay, bronze and marble.
Her works come alive with a vibrant sense of movement and dance. Mrs. Brenn has had a life- long love of ballet. Many of her sculptures capture graceful joyful dancers leaping heavenward.
Mrs. Brenn imbues each sculpture with her own positive outlook. She has much to be upbeat about. She has overcome a long-term battle with breast cancer, and now seeks to offer hope and encouragement to other cancer patients. She is grateful that her surgery seventeen years ago has left her with full use of her arms and hands, and continues to practice her art unhindered. Both through her sculpture and through volunteer efforts with the American Cancer Society's Reach for Recovery program in Fort Wayne, Mrs. Brenn communicates a sense of victory and unquenchable joy.
The public is cordially invited to attend the September 8 reception for Ruth Brenn. The exhibition will continue at the Wilson Gallery through September 28. The Wilson Gallery is located inside the Merillat Centre for the Arts on the campus of Huntington College at the intersection of State Highway 24 and Guilford Street in Huntington. The Wilson Gallery is open daily 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and by special appointment. For further information, please call (260) 356-6000, extension 2060.
