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.