2022 CAN FESTIVAL AT ASSEMBLY
The CAN Foundation announced the 2022 CAN Festival at Assembly. The festival will took place September 10th through October 8th and included a series of curated events celebrating the contemporary arts. In an effort to further the CAN Foundation’s mission of providing a nexus of interconnectivity and development for a strong, enduring, harmonious arts community within the global art market, the month-long program series was designed to spark opportunities for collaborations and network building in the Hampton Roads creative, public, and private sectors.
On May 27th, 2022 The CAN Foundation presented an immersive experience and exhibition inspired by Evan Hannah’s forthcoming album, ‘Rooms’. The album is his excavation and journey through heartbreak, traumas, and identity. It will be released in 3 installments.
The exhibition and performance invited artists to create, build, and explore their own inner rooms and inner children, and allows viewers to experience aspects of themselves and the artists that always needed more watering and more light.
The exhibition opening featured a performance by Evan Hannah with music from ‘Rooms’ accompanied by Black orchestral musicians.
WORLD OF SHAPES
A SOLO EXHIBITION BY DATHAN KANE
The CAN Foundation is proud to present ‘World of Shapes’, Dathan Kane’s Solo Exhibition, opening November 5, and running through January 22, 2022.
On November 5th, at 7 p.m., artist Dathan Kane will unveil his largest indoor installation yet, a total of 6 muraled rooms covering 6,000 square feet in black and white shapes. As Dathan notes, he wanted to create his own version of a “Seeing Shapes Disney World,” a sort of theme park where viewers will find themselves immersed and enveloped in shapes.
Since the conception of his black and white shapes in 2015, and his first mural adorning a moveable wall at the original 670 Gallery in Hampton, Va in 2016, Kane has completed a multitude of “Seeing Shapes” murals throughout Hampton Roads and Richmond. Over the years, the shapes have taken on a life of their own, and can now be seen traveling along roads on tractor trailers and dump trucks, engulfing entire buildings, and as a logo on his signature “Seeing Shapes” bucket hats and tees.
Kane completed his first room of shapes entitled “GoodTimes” in 2020 as the set for the opiate den in the immersive theatrical and concept album preview, Black Spirituals, in which he transcended mediums by playing a role in the play and appearing as a collaborating musician on the album. “GoodTimes” was followed by an immersive installation at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens as a part of the Work in Progress Exhibition. Always hard at work, in motion, and ready to tackle a challenge, Dathan has now created an immersive, shape-filled world for the viewer’s enjoyment.
‘The Sunflower Fields’ by Hampton Boyer and ‘MTHRNSON’ by Alex Michael
A Two Man Exhibition & Programming Series
The Contemporary Arts Network Headquarters
August 8- September 18, 2021
9601 Warwick Blvd | Newport News, Virginia
NEWPORT NEWS, VA - The CAN Foundation is pleased to present the culminating exhibition by First Patron Artist Hampton Boyer, accompanied by Alex Michael.
The two man exhibition features new bodies of work entitled ‘The Sunflower Fields’ by Hampton Boyer and ‘A MTHRNSON’ by Alex Michael. Each body of work explores mother and son relationships, grief, the celebration of life, and creation as a healing response to physical passing.
The multilayered, immersive exhibition will span the first floor of the CAN HQ, and consist of indoor murals, 2-D and 3-D works of art.
On August 8th (the birthday of Michele Lynn DeJesus), the exhibition will open with a ‘Sunday Service’ led by Emerson Boyer. It will run through September 18, 2021.
Additional programming and public initiatives will honor the artists’ mothers and offer the curative balm of art to communities affected by cancer and loss.
*UPDATE: We have extended the closing date to September 18th.
Feel Your Voice: Outdoor Film Screening (Free Admission)
Meet us at Mill Point Park as we finish off the 2021 CAN Festival under the stars, June 26 at 8:00 pm.
In partnership with Afrikana Independent Film Festival, this event is the concluding programming for the 2021 CAN Fest. A small selection of short films have been curated by Enjoli Moon, founder of Afrikana Fest, and serve as a thematic extension of Artist in Residence, Nastassja Swift’s solo exhibition, “Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice”.
Entry to the event will begin at 8pm. We invite you to join us for an evening of live painting with artists Austin Miles, Nadd Harvin, and Lynette Husle, music, a pre-screening discussion, film screening, and food selections from local vendors!
Amphitheater seating is limited, and first come first serve. Blankets and lawn chairs are welcome, and social distancing is encouraged.
Information about the selected films and food vendors will be shared soon!
ELEMENTS OF THE JUNETEENTH BLOCK PARTY
The Contemporary Arts Network & CAN Foundation in collaboration with Gladiator School Boxing
FREE TO THE PUBLIC 12:00-6:00 p.m.
The Juneteenth Classic, Gladiator School Boxing Gym , 9513 Warwick Blvd
A USA boxing showcase highlighting the finest in amatuer boxing. The showcase (consisting of over 50 boxers) will take place in an outdoor boxing ring located in front of The Gladiator School Boxing Gym.
‘Echo around corners and move through walls’
The CANTemporaries Collaborative Exhibition Opening
Austin Miles, Nalan Smartt, Mark Wilson, Andrew Harrison, Caitlin Blomstrom, Alliannah Hamilton, Nadd Harvin, Raekwon sunley, Chrystal Kelly, Lynette Hulse, YoungArcader
CAN HQ
The CANTemporaries workshop is a 6-week experimental artist “think tank” where artists of all disciplines are encouraged to work together towards a culminating exhibition and programming series. The first group of CANTemporaries is an eclectic mix of 12 talented artists. Over the past 5 weeks, the artists have worked both collaboratively and independently toward a shared vision.
On June 19 they will present Conducted Transmission, a multi-sensory collaborative installation that spans ⅔ of the first floor of the CAN HQ. The exhibition explores themes of perception vs. reality. The viewer will journey through various constructed environments reflecting on the pivotal events of 2020, questions of reality, and the human condition. These environments are brought to life through the use of text, performance, surrealistic imagery, light, and sound.
The Buy Black Pop-Up
Daily Bread at the CAN HQ
The Buy Black Pop-Up will take place at the Daily Bread Boutique. The pop-up will consist of Black Owned Independent clothing brands.
The Pop-Up will include (but is not limited to) merchandise from Way Too Nice, True Face Apparel, JBoy Clothing, City on My Chest, Three Scoops, & Seeing Shapes.
The 757 Street Art Battle by Poetry Jackson
CAN HQ
While at the Juneteenth Block Party, witness the 757 Street Art Battle. During the battle a group of artists will showcase their techniques and knowledge of visual arts by live painting powerful visuals on a large canvas that is then evaluated by the judges and audience.
Letter Writing Station with Humanities Behind Bars (HBB)
Organized by DeAnna Smith of HBB and Nastassja Swift, this activity will allow for those interested to send a letter to someone currently incarcerated, and learn a little about what HBB does to support those formerly and currently incarcerated.
* Programming in conjunction with Nastassja Swift’s exhibition, “Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice” *
JUNETEENTH BLOCK PARTY TICKETED EVENTS
7:00-10:00 p.m
Juneteenth Next Up at the CAN featuring Jay Jfre (accompanied by Fortresses)
Join us for The Juneteenth Next Up at the CAN featuring May’s Next Up winner, Jay Jfre (accompanied by Fortresses) hosted by HenMusik & DJ Wyze. Next Up at the CAN is a submission based performance that showcases the talents of musicians from Hampton Roads and beyond. The audience is encouraged to vote for their favorite act. The winning performer will receive a studio package and will be featured at the following Next Up at the CAN.
“The Main Event”
“The Main Event” (hosted by Double XL) is an exploration and celebration of hip-hop including live performances from some of Hampton Roads’ most talented musicians.
Feel your voice: community convo
Saturday, June 12, 4:00 p.m.
101 kings way, Hampton, Va
A space for collective reflection & exchange, facilitated by Chelsea Higgs Wise
Opening Reception of Nastassja E. Swift’s culminating solo exhibition, Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice
Saturday, June 5, 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Performance: 6:30 p.m.
Elizabeth City County Courthouse (Historical Hampton Courthouse)
101 Kings Way, Hampton, Virginia
Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice is a multi-layered installation and collaborative performance that intimately displays the exchange between Nastassja Swift and her brother, who is currently incarcerated within the Virginia Department of Corrections. Articulating feelings of absence, erasure, and the personal and communal impact of mass incarceration, Nastassja’s culminating body of work explores her personal experience navigating, as his sister, the past few years of Canaan’s incarceration.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of programming and public initiatives will explore personal narratives of those incarcerated, and the conversation of collateral consequences that accrue for imprisoned people and their support systems.
On June 5th, at 5:00 p.m., the CAN Foundation will host an opening reception, to include a letter reading performance by the artist, at 6:30 p.m. Community members will be invited to join the performance, as written letters are read aloud and in silence from those currently or previously incarcerated.
Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voiceA multi-layered installation and collaborative performance
June 5 - June 26, 2021
Elizabeth City County Courthouse (Historical Hampton Courthouse)
101 Kings Way | Hampton, Virginia
NEWPORT NEWS, VA - May 13, 2021 - The CAN Foundation is pleased to present the culminating solo exhibition by First Patron Artist in Residence Nastassja E. Swift.
“When I read the physical yellow letter, torn from my brother’s legal pad, I’m often overwhelmed. Initially, it’s a reminder of where he is, and where he’ll be for some time. And then there’s the ability to read, and reread, thus harping on his thoughts and feelings- and it can be emotionally paralyzing. Yet it allows me to hold something that he’s touched - almost as if that’s our form of contact for the time being, reminding me of just how much I miss him. And strangely, that’s the moment that is special.”
Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice is a multi-layered installation and collaborative performance that intimately displays the exchange between Nastassja Swift and her brother, who is currently incarcerated within the Virginia Department of Corrections. Articulating feelings of absence, erasure, and the personal and communal impact of mass incarceration, Nastassja’s culminating body of work explores her personal experience navigating, as his sister, the past few years of Canaan’s incarceration.
At the heart of the exhibition, “Security Blanket” includes a 40-foot fabric and glass beaded quilt, that serves as both a portal for channeling Canaan’s energy, and a representation of the artist’s feelings of responsibility towards her brother. She questions: “What does my own cell look like?” The oversized blanket looped through the steel fabrication of her brother’s prison cell acknowledges that their communication is both what comforts and consumes her. Measuring 6.5 of his shoes wide, 10 shoes high and 11 shoes long, the quilted room holds space for the artist, and others, to read written letters from loved ones whom they cannot reach due to incarceration. In a purposeful collaboration with her brother, the artist pieces together portraits, collages audio and curates a space that visualizes the collective weight of confinement.
In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of programming and public initiatives will explore personal narratives of those incarcerated, and the conversation of collateral consequences that accrue for imprisoned people and their support systems.
A special thank you to Breanna Mahoney, Jazmine Diggs, Ryland Green, Stephanie Swift, Kyndal Swift, Evan Hannah, Jessica Burroughs and Travis Sykes for production assistance.
Opening Reception:
On June 5th, at 5pm, the CAN Foundation will host an opening reception, to include a letter reading performance by the artist, at 6:30pm. Community members will be invited to join the performance, as written letters are read aloud and in silence from those currently or previously incarcerated.
Hours:
Canaan: when I read your letter, I feel your voice will be open to the public every Friday and Saturday, from 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Admission is free.
Upcoming Programming & Events:
Community Conversation. Facilitated by Chelsea Higgs Wise
Saturday, June 12, at 2:00 p.m.
Letter Writing Station with Humanities Behind Bars
Saturday, June 19. Time TBD
Afrikana Film Screening. Curated by Enjoli Moon
Saturday, June 26, at sunset.
Sponsorship:
Work from the exhibition is made possible in part by the Black Box Press Foundation. Through the Foundation’s Art as Activism grant, this exhibition will travel to the Galveston Arts Center in Texas, July 17 - October 5, 2021.
Community Partners:
Programming for this exhibition is in partnership with The Humanization Project, Humanities Behind Bars, Afrikana Film Festival and Chelsea Higgs Wise of Wise Innovation.
About The CAN Foundation
The CAN Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization that engages communities through artist development, arts education, and public art projects. The foundation works with artists, educators, community groups, and local governments to create a vibrant arts culture. Its goal is to raise public awareness of the arts as a unifying force within Hampton Roads and beyond.
The heart of the CAN Foundation’s work is The First Patron Initiative; a 15 month artist residency housed at The Contemporary Arts Network headquarters. During the course of the residency, each of the 5 artists are given studio space and the opportunity to collaborate on various projects. As a culmination of their time in First Patron, the artists produce a solo exhibition.
About the Artist
Nastassja E. Swift is a visual artist holding a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art from Virginia Commonwealth University. She is the owner and artist of D for Dolls, an online collection of handmade needle felted figures. Along with being a doll maker, she works with fiber, audio, performance, and film within her studio practice. Her short film, and first collaborative performance, Remembering Her Homecoming, premiered at the Afrikana Independent Film Festival in Fall 2019, and screened at the Virginia Film Festival in Charlottesville and Current Art Fair in Richmond. Swift is the recipient of a Virginia Commission of the Arts Fellowship in Craft for the 2020 cycle, and recently the Black Box Press Foundation, Art as Activism Grant. Her work is permanently displayed at The Colored Girls Museum in Philadelphia and currently on view in a four women exhibition at Pentimenti Gallery in Philadelphia. Swift is an artist in residence for the First Patron Initiative with the Contemporary Arts Network Foundation, where her work is a part of the Foundation’s collection. Her work has been acquired into the Grace Linton Battle Memorial Fund for the Arts Collection, as well as the Quirk Hotel in Charlottesville. Swift’s work has been included in RVA Magazine, RHome Magazine and the Stranger, a Seattle publication. She has participated in several national and international residencies and exhibitions, including her first solo exhibit in Doha, Qatar in 2016, an exhibition at the Urban Institute of Contemporary Art in Michigan, satellite programs with 1708 Gallery, Quirk Gallery's Charlottesville location, and fellowships at the Vermont Studio Center and MASS MoCA. Swift is currently living and working in Virginia.
Image Credit: Nastassja Swift, Security Blanket, Work in Progress, 2021. Mixed textile, glass beads. 40 x 5 feet.
NORFOLK STREET MUSUEM
In 2018, The City of Norfolk and Visit Norfolk joined forces with the Railroad District and The Contemporary Arts Network to create the Norfolk Street Museum. The CAN curated a street museum consisting of 9 artists, including 2 visiting artists from California who created murals that vibrantly cover a number walls throughout Norfolk’s Railroad District (Park Place).
