Liz Haywood - Community Mural for Lake Mist Apartments
Location: Lake Mist Apartments
Completed: May 2024
The core of ArtPop’s mission is connecting art & community, and one of the primary ways we do this is through community-focused art installations brought to life through our Inspiration Projects program. In this partnership with Ascent Housing and the Housing Impact Fund, ArtPop and local artist Liz Haywood were tasked with beautifying a functional retaining wall at the entrance of Lake Mist Apartments. Drawing inspiration from the residential community’s input, the result was a vibrant 625 square foot mural that brings more warmth, color, and beauty into the community!
Discover the story of how this project came to life - from its start as an idea, all the way to the radiant mural that was created and its impact on the artist, client, and community!
Meet Ascent Housing & the Housing Impact Fund
The story begins with Ascent Housing, a leader in the preservation of naturally-occurring affordable housing (NOAH) in the Charlotte region. Alongside the Housing Impact Fund, Ascent Housing’s investments protect communities’ existing residents from displacement, improves the properties through meaningful renovations, and ensures that rents remain affordable to 0 - 80% area median income households in the future.
One of the NOAH areas overseen by Ascent Housing is Lake Mist, a 144-unit apartment complex immediately adjacent to the LYNX Archdale Station in the Montclaire South neighborhood. Aiming to spruce up the long, utilitarian retaining wall running alongside the complex’s entrance, the Ascent Housing team reached out to ArtPop Street Gallery to commission a mural through our Inspiration Projects division!
“Before” photo of the Lake Mist retaining wall
Retrieving Input from the Lake Mist Community
Knowing that the mural would become a permanent addition to the property and a daily part of residents’ lives, ArtPop drafted a Community Mural Survey that was distributed to Lake Mist residents to collect their input about what makes them feel connected to their community, and what kinds of things they’d like to see in a mural. During this process, ArtPop received considerable help from Gina Chevez, Lake Mist’s Community Social Worker, who assisted with the distribution of the surveys and provided translation for non-english-speaking residents.
The Community Mural Survey yielded incredible responses from the residents, with an overwhelming desire for positive, uplifting imagery that includes animals and natural elements.
Enter Artist Liz Haywood
With the community’s feedback in-hand, local artist Liz Haywood was selected to paint the mural based on her artistic styles, strengths, and proven mural painting experience!
An established Charlotte artist and muralist, Liz was juried into our Cities Program Class of 2022, and she was also selected by public vote as Artist-In-Residence for our Village at Commonwealth Inspiration Project in 2023!
Connect with Liz:
As a kickoff to Liz’s entry to the project, she and the ArtPop team participated in a Community Engagement Event in the Lake Mist complex, where we hosted an art activation table where children of the community could draw and express themselves freely! The art supplies for this activation were generously provided by LendingTree Foundation.
Bringing the Mural Vision to Life
Taking inspiration from the residents’ input, using both the mural survey responses and the kids’ drawings from the community engagement event as the references, Liz created digital renderings depicting her vision! The mural’s design celebrates the beauty and diversity of native flora and fauna, and highlights a sense of community, unity, and harmony. The vibrant colors were inspired by traditional Mexican textiles, referencing a cultural art form that’s familiar to the many Lake Mist residents with Mexican heritage.
With her artwork designed and approved by the Ascent Housing team, it was time for Liz to begin her favorite part: putting paint on the wall! Working in the early mornings and late afternoons in order to dodge the intense sunlight of a warm Carolina Springtime, it took Liz just over a month to fully paint her artwork onto the 625 sq. ft. wall! While painting the mural, Liz met and connected with many Lake Mist residents as they would pass by the wall, passing along encouragement and complimenting her progress!
Celebrating the Mural with the Lake Mist Community
Liz and the ArtPop team had the opportunity to join the Lake Mist residents at another Community Engagement Event, where we celebrated the completion of the mural! Stationed directly in front of the now-beautified retaining wall, Liz and the ArtPop team spoke with community members, who offered overwhelming positive feedback and appreciation. One resident shared, “We needed this. We really needed this.”
Artist Testimonial:
“Through ArtPop's extensive network and support, I have gained access to vital tools and opportunities that have elevated my craft. The program's dedication to promoting artists has provided me with the exposure necessary to reach a broader audience and build a sustainable career. 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.”
- Artist Liz Haywood
Client Testimonial:
“ArtPop partnered with Housing Impact Fund and the Lake Mist community to envision and create a beautiful mural lining the entrance to the property. Lake Mist residents were engaged in the project from start to finish. ArtPop guided the project and connected us to an incredibly compassionate and talented artist, Liz Haywood. The experience and finished project exceeded our expectations. We are grateful to ArtPop for their partnership and support.”
