Hubert W. Massey graduated from Grand Valley State University (GVSU) in 1981 with a Bachelors of Arts. Prior to graduation, Mr. Massey was selected by the University to study Fine art at the University of London - Slade Institute of Fine Arts. This experience provided Hubert with a real vision and the realization of the importance of the marriage between art and architecture. Massey began to see how art should be intertwined with architectural projects at inception, rather than as an afterthought when a project is near completion. This realization inspired his interest in Community Public Art projects and the rest is history.
After graduating from Grand Valley, Mr. Massey invested 12 years as a Pictorial Painter at Gannett Outdoor Sign Company. During this time, Massey continuously educated himself and refined his painting skills.
In 1989, Mr. Massey began studying art restoration and conservation. Through self- study and research, Mr. Massey learned the art restoration and conservation techniques used by the “Old Masters”. Some of these techniques were used in Mr. Massey’s mural,”The Death of Laocoon and his two sons, Antiphas and Thymbraeus. This mural graces the lobby of the Athenaeum Hotel, (Greektown), Detroit , MI.
Massey is well versed in numerous Fine Art techniques. Based on these talents, he has been commissioned to participate in many art programs, workshops and gallery exhibitions as noted: Art Instructor -Detroit Council of the Arts, Detroit Summer Youth Employment Program and the Advanced Gifted and Talented Program. The Advanced Gifted and Talented Program is housed at Wayne State University and is a joint collaboration between Wayne State University and the Detroit Public Schools.
In 1995, Massey was selected to participate in a Fresco workshop under the tutelage of Stephen Dimitroff and Lucienne Bloch, who were apprentices to Diego Rivera. Frescoes have long been considered a lost art and one of the most notable mediums for an artist to work with. Creating a fresco challenges an artist’s ability to the fullest. Massey was commissioned by Grand Valley State University to create a fresco. The fresco titled “Importing and Exporting of Knowledge” is housed in the newly built Richard DeVos Building at the university’s Downtown campus. Massey completed a large-scale lunette fresco for Detroit’s prestigious Detroit Athletic Club. This fresco depicts Downtown Detroit. The waterfront, the city’s two new stadiums, and the city’s midtown cultural center are included in this mural.
Hubert has been commissioned to create works of art in many public places throughout the metro Detroit area. The Michigan State Fairgrounds was home a mural depicting the history of Michigan. A granite petrograph carving, designed and created by Mr. Massey is housed at the entrance of the newly built IRS Midwest Computer Center in Detroit.
The terrazzo floor which graces the Rotunda room of the Charles H. Wright Museum of
African American History in Detroit, Michigan, was designed by Hubert Massey. This
design, entitled Genealogy, depicts the struggle of Africans and African Americans
throughout history. The floor, which is 72 feet in diameter, is one of the main focal
pieces in the museum. The old Harmony Park is now called Paradise Valley where he
has Several Terrazzo Medallion’s decorating the walkway.
Hubert was selected by Grand Valley, his Alma Mater, as one of three recipients of the distinguished alumni award. This award recognizes alumnae that have made significant achievements in their professional career. This April, he will receive an Honorary PhD in Fine Arts from GVSU.
Massey’s talents were recognized by the National Society of Mural Painters of New York. This organization was established in 1895. Hubert is active in many community projects and as a result of his extensive community involvement, he was appointed to the Wayne County Community Leaders Council in 1995 and most recently joined the DIA , board of Directors. He is also just completing a fellowship award from the Foundation a Mural that will be on a prominent wall at Wayne State University.
The range and depth of Hubert Massey’s work may be seen through commissioned work and those produced for his personal collection. He continues his work with the youth, because this provides him with a platform and an opportunity to continue his legacy and at the same time give-back to the community.
Massey resides in a Historic Detroit community with his family.
