Tiff Massey to Create Public Art for New Main Library
June 9, 2021
Tiff Massey is a visionary creative who expresses herself through large-scale and wearable sculptures, music and performance.
But before she creates a permanent expression for Charlotte-Mecklenburg residents, visitors and especially library patrons to enjoy, she wants to hear from you.
The award-winning interdisciplinary artist will talk about her creative practice and process and engage in a conversation that will inform her concept for Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s new Main Library branch at a virtual Community Engagement Meeting hosted by the Arts & Science Council (ASC) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Monday, June 14.
Click here - Advance registration is needed to participate in the free event.
Massey is a 2021 United States Artists Fellow, as well as a 2015 Kresge Arts in Detroit Fellowship awardee and a two-time John S. and James L. Knight Foundation’s Knight Arts Challenge winner. She holds an MFA in metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art and creates work inspired by African standards of economic vitality.
Influenced by the iconic material culture of 1980s hip-hop, Massey uses contemporary observances of class and race through the lens of an African Diaspora, combined with inspiration drawn from her experience in Detroit.
“How does the context and placement of an object influence an individual’s perception of self?” Massey said in her artist statement. “The work first seduces the viewer, creating a desire to take, touch, and activate.”
She will create an impactful artwork that responds to the parameters, aesthetics and themes of the new Main Library, which will be located at the existing Main Library location in Uptown Charlotte. You can learn more about the plans for the new Main Library here.
Funding for the public art is in accordance with Mecklenburg County’s Public Art Ordinance, which allocates one percent of the total construction budgets for eligible capital projects for public art. ASC manages the public art programs for the county and the City of Charlotte.
This blog was written by Bernie Petit, communications manager with the Arts & Science Council.