Joan Massey: Paintings

Painting #11 portrays a visual of greenery, blue skies, and clouds.

Richmond painter Joan Massey’s lifelong love of the natural world has inspired her most recent abstract paintings, where she explores her impressions on colorful, striking canvases. From her home studio to the walls of Ginter Gallery II in the Garden’s Kelly Education Center, Mrs. Massey’s first exhibit at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is truly a homecoming. Executive Director Shane Tippett explains, “The conference center bearing Mrs. Massey’s name has hosted thousands of visitors and clients annually for 13 years — family celebrations, business meetings, education symposia, flower shows.  We are pleased and honored to use the space to share her art with the public.”   Her vivid, expressive work is filled with a keen sense of color, something she’s always loved.

From left to right: Lulee Holt, Garden Executive Director Shane Tippett, Joan Massey and President Emeritus Frank Robinson at the artist’s reception.

The Garden’s President Emeritus, Frank Robinson says “Joan has always had such clear passion for her own garden and for the Botanical Garden — seen in her generosity and leadership of the organization, as well as her commitment to our staff — including me! And, as every good gardener does, she shared her plants. Joan’s Kniphofia and Campanula brighten my garden every spring — colorful, beautiful memories of the times we shared!”

Painting #2 is a vertical painting of abstract colors.

Our Exhibit Coordinator, Roxy Hojat says Mrs. Massey’s artwork is “sophisticated in sense of color and influenced by the natural world and organic objects. Her dense layering of color creates luscious and unique textural elements to her paintings. The abstract nature of the work is open to interpretation by the visitors of the gallery.”

Joan Massey has been a  frequent visitor and patron of Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden since the Garden’s earliest days. We are delighted that in order to celebrate Mrs. Massey’s talent, her love of the natural world, and to honor her work with the Garden we recently acquired one of Mrs. Massey’s paintings to add to our permanent collection.  Proceeds from the sale of any painting in the show will benefit the Garden’s educational mission.

Joan Massey Recent Paintings
October 3 – 21, 2015
Ginter Gallery II