Cranbrook Academy Art to Present Alumni Achievement Award to Tiff Massey

Tiff Massey. Photo by Justin W. Milhouse

Bloomfield Hills, Mich., April 8, 2025 – Cranbrook Academy of Art has named Tiff Massey (MFA Metalsmithing 2011) the recipient of the 2025 Alumni Achievement Award. In recognition of her accomplishments, Massey will be presented with the award and deliver the Commencement address at the 2025 Cranbrook Academy of Art Commencement ceremony on May 2.

This is the sixth time the Academy has bestowed the award, which seeks to recognize alumni who have achieved excellence early in their careers. Sonya Clark (MFA Fiber 1995) was the first recipient in 2011, Susan York (MFA Ceramics 1995) received the award in 2012, Laura Heyman (MFA Photography 1998) received the award in 2013, Fabio Fernández (MFA Sculpture 2002) received the award in 2014, and our last recipient was Vivian Beer (MFA Metalsmithing 2004) in 2016.

Massey’s exhibition Tiff Massey: 7 Mile + Livernois is currently on view at the Detroit Institute of Arts. She is the youngest artist to have hosted a solo exhibition in the museum’s history. Her work spans sculpture, jewelry, public art, performance, video, and immersive installations. Rooted in metalsmithing, her practice explores the intersections of adornment, urban space, and identity – drawing inspiration from 1980s hip-hop culture and her experiences in Detroit.

“We look forward to celebrating Tiff’s achievements and welcoming her to campus to serve as our Commencement speaker,” said Chris Whittey, Interim Director of Cranbrook Academy of Art. “Her remarkable accomplishments at this stage in her career, along with her ability to engage with contemporary issues of race, class, and cultural expression through her practice, make her an inspiring voice for our graduates. We look forward to honoring her alongside our graduating students in May.”

Massey has exhibited widely in the U.S. and internationally, and her pieces are part of the permanent collections of institutions including the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and the National Gallery of Victoria in Australia. Beyond her studio practice, Massey is deeply invested in community engagement and expanding access to craft. She has received numerous accolades, including the 2021 United States Artists Fellowship, the 2019 Art Jewelry Forum Susan Beech Mid-Career Artist Grant, and multiple Knight Arts Challenge grants.