Society is hurting, especially African Americans in many communities. Hampton Roads, Virginia is no exception. Even though racism has been around forever, throughout much of 2020, we have seen more injustices brought to light than we can count. It is tough to creatively achieve community connections without first finding the quiet space, set apart from one’s hectic reality, in which to examine that reality and more. Luckily, an HRA alum has been building up just the backdrop for arts to reside and take this form in the 757.
Asa Jackson ‘07 has been inspiring countless people through his numerous artistic endeavours and community-centered projects for many years. He is a working artist as well as the President and Co-founder of The Contemporary Arts Network (CAN), which, after relocating to a new Newport News location, had its Grand Opening in the summer of 2020. “The arts network’s mission is to empower artists, patrons and the community at large through the arts.”, Jackson says. “We aim to advance arts education and its role in innovation through integrated education programs, collection building, publications and exhibitions.”
Those that make up the CAN are multicultural, bring unique backgrounds and experiences with them, and embrace all cultures collectively. In response to the recent publicized black-targeted killings and nearly 400 years after the emancipation of those enslaved in America, the majority of the U.S. has finally formally recognized “Juneteenth” as a holiday. In an act of support for their African American brothers and sisters and to honor this milestone, the CAN invited the community to an event of artistic expression and unity. “Juneteenth: A Freedom Day Celebration” was part of their soft opening of the space on June 19, 2020.
The day consisted of outdoor music, mural tours, DJ sets, spoken word performances, and vendors. In addition to enjoying these activities, visitors could visit and support the “Buy Black” Pop-Up shop, consisting of black owned independent clothing brands. Attendees were encouraged to be part of an interactive art exhibition where they’d paint a word, phrase, or image on the walls of the gallery as an expressive release of how they’re feeling. Guests were also invited to join in a meditation walk from the CAN Headquarters to Huntington Beach where the day concluded with a performance art piece. With the Covid-19 guidelines also set in place, the event proved to be full of growth, celebration, creation and peace.
True to its mission statement, the CAN continues to provide a “nexus of interconnectivity and development for a strong, enduring, harmonious arts community within the global art market,” and it’s not just one HRA alum who is committed to this tremendous network. Living and working between Newport News and Richmond, VA, artist/curator Mahari Chabwera ‘13 is a 2020-21 CAN Foundation First Patron Artist in Residence. She received her B.F.A. in Painting and Printmaking from VCU in 2017, and shortly after began practicing creative sustainability, culture cultivation, curation, and communion rooted in black cosmic well-being. She and Asa have worked together multiple times and Mahari has painted at least one of the giant murals showcased on the building. Asa’s wife, Kira Young Jackson ‘04 is the CAN’s Business Operations Director and Technical Writer. She has also supported and collaborated with him in other educational artistic projects. Kira’s sister Natasha “Tasha” Young Rose ‘98 is the Event Planner/Coordinator with the CAN.
Asa says “I aim to help Hampton Roads move in the direction of having a stronger arts economy, where artists can live and thrive.” Even in times of racially motivated attacks and a global pandemic, Asa Jackson and The Contemporary Arts Network prove that there are still ways to create positive actions and profound thoughts through what they’re most passionate about: Art.
For more information about The Contemporary Arts Network, visit
https://www.thecontemporaryartsnetwork.com/.