Community Spirit Shines in ArtPop’s New Mural at South Charlotte NOAH Development 

Funded by Ascent Housing and the Housing Impact Fund, ArtPop Street Gallery (ArtPop) partnered with local artist Liz Haywood to create an art installation serving residents at Lake Mist Apartments, a naturally occurring affordable housing (NOAH) development in south Charlotte on Old Pineville Road.

ArtPop and Haywood collaborated with Lake Mist residents to design a permanent art experience, collecting community input through a residential survey and a community kick-off event. Completed in May, the Lake Mist Community Mural Inspiration Project transformed a functional retaining wall into a vibrant 625-square-foot mural, uplifting community members in an area with limited access to public art.

“We are thrilled to see how this mural has rejuvenated Lake Mist Apartments, bringing the residents’ artistic vision to life,” said ArtPop founder and executive director Wendy Hickey. “Thank you to Ascent Housing for recognizing the need for meaningful art experiences in the community, and to the residents for inspiring and participating in the mural’s design.”

According to a report commissioned by the Knight Foundation, local art experiences boost positive connections within communities. However, households in low-income or minority communities like Lake Mist report lower levels of access to arts and cultural activities.

Upon seeing the completed mural at Lake Mist, one resident said: “We needed this. We really needed this.” The once-blank retaining wall now depicts positive natural imagery and colors inspired by Mexican textiles, honoring a cultural art form familiar to the many Lake Mist residents with Mexican heritage.

This project was a part of ArtPop’s Inspiration Projects division which seeks to connect local artists with businesses to create art experiences in residential, retail and office spaces. Over $699,000 has been paid directly to local artists through Inspiration Projects since the division was launched in 2020.

“ArtPop’s dedication to promoting artists has provided me with the exposure necessary to reach a broader audience and build a sustainable career,” said Haywood. “By facilitating payment for my work, ArtPop has enabled me to focus on my passion, creating art without the constant worry of financial instability. This support has not only enriched my artistic journey but has also empowered me to continue contributing to the vibrant tapestry of the art community.” 

ArtPop Street Gallery (ArtPop) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Charlotte, N.C. that showcases local artists, equips artists for success, and increases art accessibility across the region. ArtPop executes its mission through four main pillars: Cities Program, Inspiration Projects, Upcycling Initiative, and Community Events. For more information about ArtPop’s initiatives, visit artpopstreetgallery.com.