Belle's Most Recent Solo-Art Exhibition...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Troy Burton
November 17, 2008 410- 225-3130 eubieblake@rcn.com

The Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center
Features an Exhibition of Baltimore Native
Belle Massey

BALTIMORE – Belle Massey transforms ideas, prayers and daydreams into strong statements of purpose and realism in her works of fine art, which captures the imagery of life’s joys and struggles.

In a new exhibition, Dare to Imagine, featured at the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center, Massey examines the realities of the human spirit in her newest art works. The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, is on display at 847 North Howard Street in Baltimore from Thursday, December 4 to Saturday, January 3, 2009; with an opening reception on December 4 from 7 to 9 p.m.

In her works, Massey paints in vibrant colors; she narrates with oil and acrylic on paper and oil on canvas, beautiful impressions of contemplation that bring to life human experiences and diversified subjects. She conceives every painting with a calculated approach that is carefully rendered prior to any execution.

“While I never know in my head how each work of art will turn out,” says Massey, “I do understand that in my heart there is a purpose for each paint stroke to speak loud enough for viewers to hear, or perhaps find a message that inspires in some way.”

For Massey, a basic tenet of artistic realism is searching for spiritual meaning or truths that often prevail. Each painting offers viewers a private journey, which is outlined in paint strokes accompanied by an obvious love for the deeply rich and penetrating pigments on canvas.

A native Baltimorean, she received her Bachelor's Degree in Fine Art from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 1982. While she never pursued courses in portraiture, today she feels drawn to capture the essence of the human spirit on canvas and captivate viewers with these visual messages.
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For more than three decades, the Eubie Blake National Jazz Institute and Cultural Center has sought to bring creative expression and urban consciousness to Baltimore through visual and performing arts education and development opportunities for children, youth and adults in our community.

Look for some of my latest pieces to be posted in the coming weeks...thanks for your support, Belle

All in the Family Art Exhibition and Show

Meet the Grandfather, Father, Son and the Mother - 3 generations of artists...Larry O. Brown, Sr., Larry Poncho Brown, Mandela E. Brown, and Belle Massey -- artists for an exhibition of new original work. One of Poncho's biggest sales of the year! This special event will feature discounted reproductions, originals, and gift items just in time for spring cleaning! For more information call 410-466-8733.

"Group Exhibit at the Baltimore World Trade Center

in celebration of Black History Month - featuring Belle Massey"

I had a great feeling about Saturday. I arrived at the show with my daughter Fontaine, son Mandela, my sister Rose and her grandbaby, Jada. That same morning while standing in the bank - who should be standing behind me but the President of my alma mater, The Maryland Institute, College of Art - Fred Lazarus, IV. It was truly wonderful to see him...he remembered me and Fontaine, who was still an infant in a baby's blanket last time he saw her. We chit-chatted about 'growing pains,' etc. He seemed pleased to hear that I was still pursuing art and was having show that night and so, he wished me well.

I was greeted at the Baltimore World Trade Center by a number of people, including my co-workers and friends at the Fund for Johns Hopkins Medicine - downtown Baltimore. Great atmosphere... with a live jazz trio and refreshments. Folks were very intrigued by the diversity of pieces in the show, oil and acrylic paintings, collages, sculptures, 3-dimensional pieces, etc.
Although I only had 2 pieces in the 2008 Juried Exhibition, I was totally taken away by the responses to my work! This exhibit is the first of its kind to be held at Baltimore's World Trade Center. I was able to share with many people samples of my other works, as I had purposefully taken my portfolio of recent pieces.

Although I was peeved that one of my show pieces had been sort of cleaned with a wet cloth (remnants of the fibers from the rag were still evident on the canvas), I was determined not to let that annoy me and I picked the tiny fibers off of the canvas.

My boss (Jamie Kelley) was gleaming as he arrived with his wife (Meg); I could tell he was very proud of me. My oldest sister was there, one of my best friends, Pamela, my ex-husband and a number of friends I hadn't seen in years. Another friend, one whom I always looked up to as a fellow artist was there, Heidi Minken...she works at Hopkins now as a big-time fundraiser. It was great to see her too. It humbled me. I was able to rub elbows with a few artists whom I hadn't truly interacted with since college, Skip, Tommy and others. Mandela's grandfather was there and he was very happy for me. What a fabulous night !!! Can't wait to do this again.

For those of you who haven't made the trip, you may want to visit the Top-of-the-World Trade Center - 27th Floor - Inner Harbor - between now and February 29th and enjoy the pieces on display. I believe it represents about 10 or 12 of us actively making art. The name of my two pieces are: "I am Dark But Comely" & "Flowers for You, Mama". Hope you can drop by to see them.

Until then, take care...Belle

Continuation of Belle's Bio....

A former Maryland Institute College of Art graduate, Belle says she ironically never took formal training in portraiture, as she intentionally avoided such courses, not wanting the stigma of being labeled a ‘fine artist’. However, in hindsight, she boldly wears the fine art title and feels married to the task of capturing the essence of persons on canvas and captivating passers-by with a message.

”I enjoy stepping back a few feet from an image to see the anointing of God in each paint stroke. I give Him the glory and credit for what I’m able to do. I don’t find it ordinary – nor do I take it for granted. Praise Him!”

Belle feels blessed to capture the ‘essence of her faith’ and interpret scripture whenever possible – her first aim – to give God glory for the ‘coming together of each piece.’ Oftentimes, feeling guilt for not having the time to paint more, Belle says, “I’d like to think that during the non-productive times, I’m working a painting out in my head months before applying the actual brush to canvas.”

For comments, email: bellemassey@netscape.net