What first inspired you to create ArtPop?

ArtPop Founder & Executive Director, Wendy Hickey.

Early in my career in the advertising industry, I was always closely connected to the creative departments I worked with. About five years into my career, I joined the Board of Directors for the Pocono Arts Council, and that’s really where the idea began. Hearing artists talk about how much they needed advertising to grow their businesses inspired me. I realized I had access to a powerful platform and relationships within the billboard industry that could help support local artists and their small businesses.

What’s new at ArtPop this year? Are there programs, partnerships or initiatives you’re especially excited to share with the community?

There is so much happening this year! We are expanding our flagship Artist Cohort program by adding four additional high school seniors. In February, we partnered with Connect Labs by Wexford at The Pearl for a beautiful exhibition featuring more than 30 local artists. In April we will partner with the Daniel Stowe Conservancy for their Annual Hat Party in the Garden. In May, we’ll collaborate with the Mint To Be exhibition at the Mint Museum Uptown, showcasing our Upcycled Fashion program. In September we will host our 6th Annual Upcycled Fashion Show & Community Arts Fundraiser!

We’re also growing our public programming — what was historically two Art Markets each year will expand to four, giving artists even more opportunities to connect with the community and sell their work.

ArtPop will also soon be launching our first ever membership program later this year, the ArtPop Community Collective.

Looking back at your early years, what experiences most influenced the way you advocate for artists today?

One of ArtPop’s signature billboards in Times Square featuring artwork by Hannah McKee.

In the early years of ArtPop, we focused primarily on advertising artists’ work through billboard campaigns. As I watched artists grow, it became clear they also needed access to connections, business education and paid opportunities. Those insights helped shape our programming over time. Today, ArtPop focuses not only on visibility, but also on helping artists build sustainable creative careers.

How did your two decades in the billboard advertising industry prepare you for launching and growing ArtPop in such a unique, large-scale way?

My career in billboard advertising taught me many of the core skills needed to run an organization, sales, relationship building, meeting deadlines, managing annual budgets and thinking strategically. Working for one of the largest billboard companies in the country gave me a deep understanding of how powerful public visibility can be.

The relationships I’ve built across the industry over the last 28 years have truly been a game changer for artists in the Charlotte region, helping us bring their work to audiences in ways that are both accessible and impactful.

Can you share a moment in ArtPop’s history when you knew the organization was truly making the impact you had envisioned?

Receiving a $40,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts at the end of last year was a particularly validating moment. It reinforced that our work matters on a national level.

But the real impact is seen through the artists themselves; when their sales increase, when they gain new opportunities, when someone from the community discovers art during their everyday commute. For over 12 years, we’ve seen artists grow their careers and even transition to practicing art full time. Those stories are the true measure of ArtPop’s impact.

(From left) ArtPop team members Vanessa Ross, social media & marketing coordinator, Wendy Hickey and Dylan Bannister, director of creative commissions.

In what ways do you foster creativity and innovation within your team or organization?

I believe creativity thrives when people feel heard and empowered. I make a point to listen to my team, understand what they need, and encourage them to take ownership of their roles and ideas. We work very hard, but we also make space for joy and creativity in the process. That balance helps keep our work fresh and inspiring.

As someone who built a career without a traditional educational path, what message do you hope to pass along to young artists or individuals who may feel limited by their circumstances?

For young artists, I want them to know that the arts can absolutely be a successful and fulfilling career path. For anyone who feels limited by their circumstances, my advice is simple: if you have the skills and the passion for your dream, make a plan and get to work. It won’t be an easy road, but it can be an incredibly meaningful and rewarding journey.

What qualities do you think are most essential for today’s nonprofit leaders?

Leading by example is essential. Leadership is never about what you ask others to do, it’s about what you’re willing to do yourself. I also believe great nonprofit leaders are willing to ask for help, because collaboration and partnerships are at the heart of meaningful community work. Staying curious, continuing to learn and working smarter — not just harder, are all key to sustaining impact.

How do you balance the demands of leading an organization with staying grounded and connected to the mission?

I stay connected by spending time in the arts community, attending events and listening closely to artists about their evolving needs. I also invest in my own leadership growth through reading and professional development. This year I’m participating in a leadership mastermind class with Dr. Patton McDowell.

Equally important is making time to recharge. For me, that means getting outside in the woods, either hiking or biking. That time helps keep me grounded and energized.

Local designers transformed billboard vinyl into eco‑friendly fashion at ArtPop’s Upcycled Fashion Show.

When you look ahead, what is your vision for the future of ArtPop and the local artists it supports?

My focus right now is building a sustainable legacy organization. As I approach my 60th birthday this year, I want to ensure ArtPop continues to thrive well beyond my time leading it.

For the artists we support, my vision is a community where the arts are valued as an essential part of civic life, just as integral as the Charlotte Region feels about sports, tourism and long-term community development. Artists have the power to shape vibrant, inspiring places to live, and I believe their role in building strong communities will only continue to grow.

Check out ArtPop on social media and LinkedIn, explore their work online and discover the many ways you can connect with and support their mission at ArtPopStreetGallery.com.