Sculptor Encourages Minority Interest in Art

Sculptor Bryan Massey is using his profession to encourage young minority artists, after lacking the support as a child to hone his skills for a beloved art passion.

“African-Americans don’t see art as a career. They think it as a hobby or something to do on the side. It is very disheartening,” said Massey.

Despite little backing, Massey proceeded to chase after his dream. He earned many awards, including a recent $60,000 commission from the Sculpture at the Rivermarket Competition.

The piece will be showcased in Little Rock’s urban Rivermarket District fall 2013.

“The name of the piece is called Nautilus. It’s going to be a nine by seven foot sculpture that weighs about 3,000 pounds when it is all put together.”

But his accomplishments started coming early in his career.

“When I begin to get some notoriety and recognition, everybody got on board then,” said Massey.

The University of Central Arkansas professor says he initially wanted to become a Hallmark card illustrator, but those career aspirations changed one summer at East Carolina University.

He noticed a professor moving a large stone with little help. So Massey offered his assistance.

“He said you are pretty strong. We need strong guys like you in our sculpting department. He said, ‘Why don’t you take my class in the fall’. So I took his survey class and the rest is history,” said the ECU graduate.

He also completed an advanced degree at Louisiana State University.

Massey has been teaching at UCA for more than 25 years, while still working on commissioned projects. He says he sometimes works more than 16 hours a day.

The sculptor states Arkansas is virgin territory for minority sculptors, which has been beneficial to his career.

“There are so many opportunities for African-Americans in art that they don’t realize them. You just have to find them.”

Massey believes African-American traditions focus on sports, neglecting other areas of interests. He adds when public education leaders are faced with budget cuts, programs like music, drama, and art are evaluated first for elimination.

“So many times artists are treated like stepchildren,” said Massey.

But he adds attitudes are changing slowly and people are noticing the value of art appreciation.

He believes the future of art for minority students is great, giving encouraging thoughts to prospective art students.

“Take the failures along with the successes and learn from those,” said Massey.