massey and young mural project at the hawk community center
Detroit’s master artist Hubert Massey and renowned photographer S. Kay Young recently worked with a group of young adults with disabilities in a 25-week series made possible through a Michigan Arts Access Artist-in-Residency program. The young artists went on art-seeking field trips and learned how to take high-quality photos with their phones at locations throughout Detroit. They also collaborated on creating a beautiful tile mural that will hang permanently at Bloomfield P.R.E.P. School, a post-secondary education program that serves young adults ages 18 to 26 with developmental and physical disabilities.
This is a very nice diptych combining progress on the tile mural with what I assume is an image of a sketch for one of Massey’s spectacular murals. The students had the opportunity to visit Massey’s studio as well as several of his murals throughout the city.
Shooting out a window with appliqués on it was a great idea.
This image is playful with a fine composition. None of the photographs displayed had labels indicating who took the shot or any explanation thereof. This doesn’t diminish their validity in the slightest.
Art’s purpose is to change the way a viewer sees the world. To have a nationally recognized fresco painter and a celebrated photographer leading and inspiring these exceptional students certainly delivered joy as much as a newly learned skill. I mean, look at their faces! Their selfies beat any I’ve ever taken. Massey and Young have made as much of an impact at the Hawk Center as they do exhibiting in fancy-pants galleries. Perhaps more.
“Thank you to the students and supportive parents for believing that art can and does change lives.” S. Kay Young.
There was a special celebration on Wednesday, May 18th to honor these extraordinary students. The Hawk Community Center is located at 29995 W. Twelve Mile Road, Farmington Hills.
*images are mine
direct quote from exhibition materials
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