How C.A.N. Began

The Cre8ive Arts Network was founded on August 30, 2010, by Tammy Fujibayashi and the late Paula Patterson, in the historic district at Fort Chaffee. The goal of the art co-op was to include all forms of art within the walls of one building, providing an integration of the arts and the opportunity for artists to grow while spreading art into the lives of many River Valley citizens. Over the years, many artists have come through the doors of CAN, all contributing their art to fellow members.

The idea for the CAN artist’s co-op came from Tammy Fujibayashi and the late Paula Patterson in an effort to memorialize Justin Fujibayashi, Tammy’s step-son. Justin was a young man who loved art, sketching constantly, and producing amazing drawings while overcoming cerebral palsy and major, life-threatening asthma. During college, Justin had a major art show at his college, published an action comic book and was contacted by a Hollywood Director to create the storyboards for an upcoming movie. Just before graduation and as Justin finished the first third of the movie work, his life was struck down by a drunk driver. The Cre8ive Arts Network stands for the love of art that Justin had and stands for the hard work that he did to overcome all obstacles to his art.