Abby Rust, Artist
by Renee Fite
City of Stilwell Director of Public Relations and Media
Art brings holidays to life on business windows around Stilwell, thanks to artist Abby Rust. For several years she’s been painting windows in her home town for the holidays and enjoys seeing her work on display.
It’s her small business and she paints in other communities as well. It was in Tahlequah as an art student at the college she discovered the fun of painting windows.
“I was close friends with the people at Elephant Rock Garden Supply in Tahlequah, and they took a shot on me and let me paint their windows for the first time,” she said. “After that, I realized it was something I enjoyed and wanted to make a business of. I have painted for multiple businesses over the past three years.”
Seeing people while painting is part of the fun.
“It’s very social, not a single painting is done without someone stopping by and talking about your work,” she said. “It’s a lot different than painting in a private studio at home.”
Stilwell artist Abigail Rust enjoys painting business windows for the holidays, and logos.
Photo: Renee Fite
In 2024, she graduated from Northeastern State University with a Bachelor of Fine Art.
“I loved everything about it; I was free to explore different styles, and test my artistry. I met some wonderful artists I hope to keep a part of my circle for many years,” Rust said.
She loved her art teachers at NSU.
“My art skills flourished in college under Sylvia Nitti and Lance Hunter’s instruction,” said Rust.
A Stilwell High School 2020 grad, she was the Salutatorian of the class. She is the daughter of Mona Rust, and her grandma is Sharon Rust, both of Stilwell.
“I met some of my lifelong friends and accomplished a lot with the help of some of the wonderful teachers,” said Rust.
Like most artists, she always enjoyed drawing.
“My mom always supported my curiosity with art supplies. I was mostly self taught until I took Mrs. [Kim] Hummingbird’s class in high school, where things started to click,” she said.
Stilwell is a great place to call home.
“The community is always there to support each other, it takes a village to succeed,” said Rust. “Stilwell has been one of my biggest motivators throughout my art journey.”
This summer Rust won third place at the Arts Council of Tahlequah Tahlequonia Art and Photography Show. In 2024 she was accepted in the, “SHE MAKES ART” exhibit at Liggett Studios in Tulsa. And was also a part of two exhibitions at Arts @ 302 in Broken Arrow.
Her art is available at the ACT 127 Gallery upstairs at the 127 House Salon and Spa, at 127 West Keetoowah Street in Tahlequah. She has prints and Tahlequah merch at Junie’s Closet, Riverside Liquor, and Hagstone Tattoo in Tahlequah.
To contact Abby about painting a logo, holiday design, or other art on a business, text 918-575-8009 with a location and description of the idea for art, or message her @DabbyCreates on Instagram.
BELOW: A finished window Abby Rust painted for Christmas.
Photo: Renee Fite
