Detroit Artist Announced As Stellantis Mural Project Takes Shape!
Mural Will Be One Of The Largest Art Installations In The City...
Stellantis has announced a partnership with renowned Detroit fresco artist Dr. Hubert Massey to create the largest municipal art installation in the city’s history. Dr. Massey’s distinctive work can be found locally, including at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Huntington Place, Detroit Athletic Club, and elsewhere throughout the city and state.
The Detroit resident and Flint native is a graduate of Grand Valley State University, where he earned an honorary doctorate of fine arts. Dr. Massey studied at the University of London’s Slade Institute of Fine Arts and later learned the centuries-old fresco technique from former assistants of legendary artist Diego Rivera, who created the iconic Detroit Industry Murals found at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Dr. Massey will be creating his next work of art on the sound barrier outside of the Detroit Assembly Complex – Mack plant along two sections of Beniteau Street, near Southeastern High School and Kercheval Avenue. When the project is complete, Detroit’s east side will have one of the largest municipal mural installations in the region at 15 feet high by 1,500 feet long.
The Detroit Assembly Complex is home to the Mack and Jefferson plants, which combined consist of nearly 10,000 employees working in over 5 million square feet of floor space producing such iconic vehicles as the Jeep® Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Dodge Durango, and the new Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, which will be arriving in dealerships this spring.
“I’m honored to work with Stellantis and residents to bring this project to life and beautify our community,” said Dr. Massey.
The mural project is part of the Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) reached between Stellantis, the city, and the Neighborhood Advisory Committee, a partnership that provides more than $35 million in support for neighborhood improvements, housing, workforce development, education, and training programs, and environmental initiatives. In 2019, the company committed to investing $2.5 billion to build the first new assembly in Detroit in 30 years and upgrade its existing Jefferson plant, creating nearly 5,000 new jobs and putting Detroiters first in the application process.
“Our commitment to this city goes well beyond our facility,” said Mark Stewart, Stellantis North America’s COO. “Together, Stellantis, the city of Detroit, and residents have a shared responsibility for the neighborhood around the new plant. This mural will reflect the values and identity of the community and our shared vision for a positive future.”
Commercial Contracting Corporation (CCC) will partner with Stellantis and Dr. Massey on the project, providing equipment.
Ideas and input from community residents will be critical to designing a mural that “shows the breadth of the community” and “celebrates what makes it unique,” said Dr. Massey.
The first engagement meeting will take place virtually with Dr. Massey on June 15th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. to discuss the project with community members and solicit their ideas. Those wanting to participate in the meeting should send an email with their name to [email protected].
A follow-up meeting will be held to share creative concepts before work begins.
For more on Dr. Massey’s work, visit hubertmasseymurals.net.
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