The Contemporary Arts Network

05/19/2026

Former CAN Foundation Artist in Residence is at work on archiving history. We give thanks for this very thoughtful acknowledgment of CAN co-founder & of the essence of the CAN. The work has always come from a place of passion and for those that understand and have understood the intention, we give thanks. An organization built by artists, for artists, intent on building sustained pathways for the creative class.

04/30/2026

The CAN Foundation is honored to participate in the Uhaul exhibitions and workshops Community Day taking place this Saturday, May 2nd from 10am-4pm.

Within the Uhaul, CAN Foundation Artists in Residence - MarieAnn Fluker, Rain Spann, and Dathan Kane - will present murals, original works, and embellished prints.

Additionally, at 3:15pm, First Patron AIRs, MarieAnn Fluker and Rain Spann will present an interactive conversation and workshop. Read on for the workshop description:

Join & for a conversation exploring their work in the CAN Foundation U-Haul activation and the deeper realities of building a life through art. They’ll examine collaboration as a force that expands, challenges, and transforms both artist and process. Grounded in their residency experience, this conversation offers insight into the risks, evolution, and commitment required to grow a sustainable creative practice.The experience will include a participatory element, inviting attendees to engage beyond observation.

04/29/2026

Job well done to Newport News Public High School students on their completion of window murals ! Many thanks to Junior Apprenticeship Artist lead and our partners for making this important project possible!!! Stop by to check out their incredible work!

04/28/2026

04/23/2026

Day 1 of The Junior Apprenticeship murals complete. Many thanks to our project partners & and artist lead for making it possible. Read on to learn about the project.

The CAN Foundation, in collaboration with City Center at Oyster Point & Newport News Public Schools, offers a junior apprenticeship for high school art students. The apprenticeship is an opportunity for students to work within a collaborative team, guided by a professional muralist, to execute a public art project. Art teachers from each Newport News Public Schools public high school are engaged to select student teams to execute one window mural per school at City Center at Oyster Point in Newport News.

The mural process is facilitated by professional artist and sign painter, Ashley Carson.

About the artist:

Ashley Carson, one-woman owner of Restless Roots Signs, is a sign painter and freelance artist from Alabama that has called Hampton Roads home since 2019. She received her BFA in 2007 and is currently exploring the crossroads of fine and applied art as a local sign painter and public artist. Heritage crafts passed through generational knowledge are disappearing and Ashley serves as an educational link in the chain of sign painting knowledge. Her passion for collaborative community storytelling and historical preservation shines through in custom traditional hand painted signs and murals for commercial clients, cities, and public art projects that prioritize community engagement. Her goal is to add to the personality and character of a city with artist-designed signs versus mass produced signage that make your daily commute more enjoyable and meaningful. She also assists as a community resource and technical sounding board for other public artists through local artists groups, community engagement projects and arts education teaching public art at the Governor’s School for the Arts in Norfolk.

03/31/2026

A message from our friends at Pearl Bailey Library! Check out .b_ this Saturday and read on for more information. 📚 Join us for an inspiring conversation with Markis Bowers-Dunlap, author and illustrator of Asking About Art and Asking About Chefs. Markis will share how his creative process blends storytelling and visual expression to empower readers and spark curiosity about the world around them.
Hear firsthand about his journey as an artist and author, enjoy a Q&A session, and connect with a local voice dedicated to uplifting creativity in the Hampton Roads community. For more information call (757)247-8677

02/27/2026

A peek into the 10 x 10 Working Artist Session at the CAN Gallery/Studios created & facilitated by CAN Artists in Residence, & . Many thanks to the artists who joined & more! Stay tuned for more from the day & to come.

01/15/2026

McColl Center has named multidisciplinary artist and arts leader Asa Jackson as its new President and CEO, effective January 6, 2025. A former McColl Center artist-in-residence, Jackson brings both creative vision and nonprofit leadership experience to the role.

He previously co-founded and led the The Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) Foundation, expanding opportunities for artists through residencies, professional development, and collaborative exhibitions. With work shown at major institutions across the country, Jackson now returns to McColl Center ready to build on its mission of empowering artists and strengthening the creative community.

👏 Congratulations, Asa! We look forward to seeing what you accomplish in your new role!

01/12/2026

And TENFOLD is wrapped! And we give thanks to all who showed up, supported, participated, and celebrated! Now the AIRs , , and continue on with business! Stay tuned for what they have in store!

12/28/2025

LAST CHANCES TO CHECK OUT TENFOLD!