Creativity runs deep in the River City and a new resource is available to aspiring artists. Renowned artist and Memphis native, Derek Fordjour, is back with a vision to inspire students. He is channeling his own success into building opportunities for young artists in his hometown. His latest project, Contemporary Arts Memphis “CAM”, which began as a series of fellowships for young artists, is now a state-of-the-art facility in the heart of Memphis.
Since 2021, CAM has operated out of a classroom at the University of Memphis, providing a summer program for a select number of students. The new space on Marshall Avenue opens doors to a much larger community, offering year-round access to after-school programs, weekend workshops and summer intensives. “Our whole goal is to get kids into art colleges or programs—not just painting, but the entire ecosystem: art history, curating and everything in between,” explains Derek “Pat” Patterson, CAM’s Executive Director.
CAM also offers college counseling, writing support and scholarship application assistance to help students turn their dreams into reality. As Patterson puts it, the new facility is more than just a place to create art—it’s a launchpad for futures.
For Fordjour and his team, CAM is the realization of a lifelong dream. “My dream for CAM has always been to build a community of support and instruction for as many young people as possible, regardless of their background,” he says. “This building brings us one major step closer to realizing that vision more fully.” Through its programs, CAM will continue to provide opportunities for Memphis youth to hone their skills, apply for scholarships and explore the possibilities of artistic expression. As Fordjour puts it: “This isn’t just about creating art—it’s about building futures, one artist at a time.”
Located in the vibrant Edge District, CAM spans an impressive 4,500 square feet in a thoughtfully repurposed 1940s building. Designed to nurture creativity, the space includes large studios and a gallery anchored by an original piece by Fordjour himself. The Memphis native earned his BA at Morehouse College before receiving an MEd in Arts Education at Harvard University and an MFA in painting at Hunter. His work is featured in multiple important collections around the country including the Whitney Museum in New York and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art, as well as the private collections of notable artists like Jay Z, Beyoncé and Drake.
The facility itself is as inspiring as the work being done within it. Designed by interior designer Avni Pathak, the space is an urban oasis. Every detail has been carefully curated, from sound-dampening panels in the entryway to the serene light in the studios. She worked closely with Fordjour and his team to maximize the CAM experience. “Artists throwing ideas around has the same energy as fireworks igniting inside a building,” says Pathak. “That brilliance is reflected in every corner of this space,” she says. Even practical features have a creative twist. An old elevator shaft has been reimagined as stylish storage, while custom lockers and a dedicated library ensure students have everything they need at their fingertips. Student work is on exhibit in the gallery space and even in the restrooms which are adorned with custom wallpaper created from student paintings. The wallpaper will be rotated regularly to spotlight new talent.
“This was like coming home to the classroom,” says Pathak, whose background in graphic design informed many of the decisions. Derek and his team gave her a lot of freedom to express herself as that is the intention of the entire project, a space where artists’ visions come alive.
This visionary project is supported by grants from the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis and the Shelby County Commission among others, underscoring its importance to the heath of the broader community. CAM bridges the gap between professional artistry and aspiring talent, providing a space where economic and geographic barriers dissolve.
Patterson compares the space to a gym for athletes. “It’s a place where kids can get their reps in and practice their craft,” he says. Studio space, often prohibitively expensive, is now accessible to students from diverse backgrounds.
CAM is more than a space however, it’s a movement. With its innovative design, passionate leadership and focus on community impact, it promises to be a cornerstone for Memphis’ creative future.
"This isn't just about creating art -- it's about building futures, one artist at a time." - Derek Fordjour