The story behind 16 students taking over $20,000 in billboard space

Earlier this year, 3,000 works of art from local students were entered into the Mid-Carolina Region Scholastics Art and Writing Awards Program. After being judged on originality, personal voice, and technical proficiency, 276 Gold Keys were awarded to students from the Mid-Carolina Region.

While the work was exhibited at Spirit Square, 16 pieces were selected based on their translation to the Outdoor medium.

These 12 art and four writing billboards make up Mid Carolina Drive-By Gallery Crawl. 

After seeing the ArtPop billboards, Cheryl Maney, Art Curriculum Specialist for Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools and Mid Carolina Art Affiliate, was inspired and called Adams Outdoor Advertising to propose a partnership.

This is the third year Adams has partnered to make the Gold Key billboard program happen.

Each year, about $20,000 in billboard space is donated to showcase local students, their great work, and the flourishing art programs we have in the Mid-Carolina Region. Jeannine Dodson, General Manager at Adams, commented, “Our goal at Adams is to help both emerging artists AND the community. We love giving exposure to the artists and providing art on the streets for commuters to enjoy!”

Gabriel Goldhagen, a junior, was among the students chosen to have their work on a billboard.

He has been blowing glass for eight years, and it is clear when you look at his work, he has tremendous talent. Currently, he is most excited by working with metallic ions to produce new colors.

He plans to combine his love for aesthetics, art and the chemical attributes of glass blowing and study engineering upon graduation.

His billboard can be seen on Sugar Creek Road just before 85. 

Jop Enuol is a senior and this was her first time entering for a Gold Key.

Her billboard is on the corner of S. Mint St. and W. Carson Blvd. just outside of Uptown. “Teens try to establish their identity through materialistic things. They try to be ‘different’ so you can fit into a crowd. People seem to gain self esteem from falling into the world of followers and likes with social media.”

Look closely at her piece, in the bottom left, you may be surprised.

This fall, senior Autumn Yarmosh will be attending Rhode Island School of Design to continue studying painting.

She was awarded a Gold Key for a collection of 12 works titled, “The Stages of Grief.” In drawing inspiration from personal experiences, Autumn feels that she can truly express her voice and communicate through art. Her painting can be seen on W Carson Blvd as you exit I-277.

Grab a cup of coffee, turn on your favorite music and take a driving tour of this outstanding work. (Hint: that’s a great date idea!)