Roadside to Your Backside —Billboard Fashionista

Charlotte, NC — What happens to billboard vinyl after a campaign ends? In Charlotte, North Carolina, ArtPop is answering that question with creativity, sustainability, and style.

ArtPop hosted its Upcycled Fashion Show & Fundraiser, transforming retired billboard vinyl into bold, wearable art designed by local artists and fashion designers. The event showcased how out-of-home advertising materials can be reimagined beyond their initial lifespan, shifting from roadside art gallery to runway storytelling.
Each featured designer worked directly with retired ArtPop artist billboard vinyl, embracing its scale, texture, durability, and graphic qualities to create one-of-a-kind garments. The participating designers, billboard and model profiled on ArtPop’s website, represent a diverse mix of fashion designers, visual artists, and creative entrepreneurs who pushed the boundaries of what billboard materials can become when placed in artistic hands.
“Billboard vinyl is built to withstand the elements and command attention,” said Wendy Hickey, Founder and Executive Director of ArtPop. “Those same qualities make it an incredible medium for fashion and design. Through Upcycled, we’re extending the life of OOH materials directly featured through our mission while supporting artists and inviting the community to see billboards in a completely new way.”

The Upcycled Fashion Show served as both a fundraiser and a proof-of-concept for the outdoor advertising industry, demonstrating how retired vinyl can contribute to sustainability initiatives, community engagement, and creative placemaking. Proceeds from the event supported ArtPop’s ongoing work providing paid artist opportunities, raising 13% of ArtPop’s annual budget.
ArtPop’s Upcycled initiative continues to evolve, with plans to further explore partnerships with billboard operators, brands, and agencies interested in innovative reuse of vinyl materials. The organization positions these collaborations not as disposable solutions, but as creative extensions of OOH storytelling.
About the 501 (c) (3) nonprofit, ArtPop, serving the Charlotte Region’s artist community for 12 continuous years, believing that art amplifies the region’s creative spirit by transforming everyday places into creative and immersive experiences.

Wendy Hickey, Founder & Executive Director
ArtPop Street Gallery
Wendy@ArtPopStreetGallery.com
734.320.1601
ArtPopStreetGallery.com/Donate