ABOVE: Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel speaks Sunday afternoon at a memorial remembrance for artist and retired YSU professor Al Bright at the Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown. A slide show featured Bright’s life and career. The esteemed local artist died Oct. 28 at 79 years old. Staff photo / Bob Coupland

YOUNGSTOWN — Each time the Butler Institute of American Art Director Louis Zona ties his tie, he said he thinks of his art professor, the late Al Bright.

“I was in his first university class and always remembered, even when he was painting, he was always wearing a tie,” Zona said Sunday, during a gathering at the Butler to remember Al Bright, who died late last month. “I asked him about the tie, and he told me people respect the way you look, and he felt that was very important. He showed me how to tie a Windsor knot, and every time I tie my ties I think of him teaching me.”

Zona’s warm recollection was among many shared Sunday at the Youngstown art museum where more than 250 people gathered for a memorial celebration of Bright, who died Oct. 28 at age 79. There were several speakers, including his stepchildren, Matthew Banks and Mary Branch, and children Leslie Bright, Al Bright Jr., Nichole Bright-McNair and Steven Bright.

Bright taught art at Youngstown State University for more than 40 years after earning his bachelor’s degree in 1964 from YSU and his master’s degree in 1965 from Kent State University. He was known internationally for his artwork, which has been featured locally at many locations including the Butler.

Matthew Banks, Bright’s stepson, said he first met Bright as a child and called him “Uncle Al” when he married his mother and took on three stepchildren in addition to his own four children.

“He stepped in and filled the role of father for the three of us. He was very involved in our lives. I remember him coming to our Cub Scout meetings. I always remember all of the ties he had and wore. I am wearing one of his ties today,” Banks said. “He always told us it is important to retain your identity, no matter what you do.”

Mary Branch, Bright’s stepdaughter, said Bright told all the children and his students to always maximize their potential in life whether facing good or challenging times.

“He was a pioneer at YSU who broke ground for African-American faculty and staff, becoming the first full-time African-American faculty member in 1965. He also got the black studies programs started there,” she said.

“Throughout his life he encouraged everyone to use their unique talents and to always be kind to one another,” she said.

The family said Bright’s legacy will continue with the Al Bright Memorial Fund to be used for college students in the art field.

YSU President Jim Tressel recalled Bright as “a beacon of life who helped with the progress of the YSU institution, the progress of its students and the progress of the Valley.

“He was an amazing teacher and artist and leader on our campus,” he said.

Tressel said Bright encouraged everyone to live by the acronym “TORI,” for “truth, openness, respect and integrity.”

“He said we need to have trust in one another and in our society. The openness to help, share and serve, which was what he was all about. His desire for everyone to respect one another. The importance of having integrity,” Tressel said.

Zona remembered studying graphic design / commercial art, a class instructed by Bright.

“Al was such a good teacher,” Zona said. “What made him such an effective teacher was he genuinely cared about his students. So many students have come up to me over the years praising Al Bright and telling me he was the one who encouraged them to stay in college.”

bcoupland@tribtoday.com