Newport News has its sculptures, and soon murals will be added throughout the city.
In collaboration with the City of Newport News, the Contemporary Arts Network (CAN) foundation presents The Newport News Street Museum beginning this month and continuing through the summer.
The project features a variety of abstract and figurative murals executed by regional and national muralists including Nadd Harvin, Carl Medley III, Mahari Chabwera, Earl Mack, Austin Miles, Yusuf Abdul Lateef, Andrew Samuel Harrison, Dathan Kane, Alex Michael, and Asa Jackson. Moveable murals created by Ray Johnson, Poetry Jackson, and Hemadri Modi will be anchored to walls throughout the city.
The project aims to activate and highlight locations throughout the City of Newport News, encourage placemaking, promote tourism, develop the creative workforce, and strengthen community and regional connections, according to Asa Jackson, Co-Founder and Executive Director of The CAN Foundation.
“The CAN Foundation is proud to partner with the City of Newport News on this groundbreaking project,” Jackson said.
“As a long-time Newport News resident, business owner, and nonprofit operator, I’m honored to guide this project that will beautify our city and highlight our commitment to supporting the arts. Newport News is an emerging market for artistic creativity, and the Street Museum provides a platform for us to amplify this talent for the world to enjoy.”
Artists have already begun working on murals in the city. The Street Museum project will officially launch during the World Arts Celebration on July 29 from noon until 5 p.m. at Victory Landing Park (50 26th Street). This free event takes guests on a journey filled with culture, craftsmanship, and cuisine with vendors, performers, artists, and interactive education stations. During the event, artist Nico Cathcart will be high on a lift at The Warwick Hotel working on a mural for the Newport News Street Museum.
To learn more about the project and participating artists, visit The CAN Foundation Headquarters (9601 Warwick Blvd.) on July 30 from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. for the opening reception of ‘Inside Out’, a group indoor mural exhibition featuring the work of the Newport News Street Museum’s participating artists. During the opening, hear from the artists themselves as they participate in an artist panel moderated by Asa Jackson. The event will also include live music, a pop-up shop, delicious eats, and a display of select works from The CAN Collection.
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