Donna Bruton facts for kids

Donnamaria Bruton (born May 3, 1954 – died September 9, 2012) was a talented American painter. She was also a teacher at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Bruton was known for her unique paintings and collages. These artworks often used many different materials.

Donna Bruton started working at RISD in 1992. She later became the head of the Painting Department from 2001 to 2003. She also served as the temporary head of Graduate Studies from 2003 to 2005.

Her Art Style

Bruton's art style was described as "free-flowing." Yet, her paintings also had a strong realistic feel. She used her skills in drawing, painting, and collage to create her works. Many of her collages used everyday objects. These objects helped her explore deeper memories or ideas.

Her first solo art show was in 1993 in Austin, Texas. It was very popular. Later in her career, her artworks became much larger. Some of her paintings were on huge canvases, measuring 8 by 8 feet.

Awards and Collections

Donna Bruton received the Blanche E. Colman Award in 1999. Her art is kept in important collections. These include the RISD Museum and the Gwanjiu Museum in Korea. Her work is also part of the permanent collection at the Newport Art Museum. Many private collectors own her pieces too.

Early Life and Education

Donna Bruton was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in 1954. She came from a family of famous athletes. Her father was the baseball player Bill Bruton. Her grandfather, on her mother's side, was Negro leagues player Judy Johnson.

Bruton studied art at college. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University. She then received a Master of Fine Arts degree from Yale University. She learned from the painter Edward L. Loper Sr.. She also showed her art with Dell Pryor in Detroit. Donna Bruton married Timothy Coutis in January 1999.