Presented by Wells Fargo
Saturday, September 12th, 2026 at Blume Studios in Charlotte, NC
In its sixth year, our Annual Upcycled Fashion Show was an extraordinary evening where art, sustainability, and high fashion converged! This immersive event celebrates local creativity and community, featuring a unique runway show with 14 stunning fashion pieces crafted from retired ArtPop billboards! Plus, attendees also enjoyed a Silent Auction, delicious hors d’oeuvres, drink specials, and many incredible experiences!
This annual event is also a Community Arts Fundraiser, with proceeds supporting community transformation through ArtPop’s mission and programming.
Jump to Section:
Runway Fashion Show • VIP Hour • Silent Auction • Magic Moments • Impact • Supporters
The Runway Fashion Show
These 14 incredible pieces of couture walked the runway at our premier event. Each one was created by a commissioned local fashion designer using a retired ArtPop billboard vinyl!
Featured Guest Designer:
Virgil Ortiz
Pueblo artist Virgil Ortiz Virgil crafted fashion out of an ArtPop billboard featuring artwork by Teresa Dunlap, Catawba artist and 2025 Artist Cohort member. Learn More Here!
People’s Choice Award Winner:
Margaret Fleeman
For the first time, guests had the opportunity to vote for their favorite fashion piece of the evening. Congratulations to Margaret Fleeman for winning our 2026 People’s Choice Award!
More Unforgettable Experiences:
VIP Guest Cocktail Hour
Our VIP attendees were treated with a special experiences: a spoken word performance, an intimate Wonderland fashion experience on the runway, and unique hand-crafted flower pins made from ArtPop billboards!
Silent Auction
Offering original artworks, gift certificates, travel packages, and more!
Magic Moments
At its core, the Annual Upcycled Fashion Show is a celebration of creativity and community. This year’s event featured special guests, exciting reveals, photo opportunities with models and designers, and more!
This Event’s Impact:
$79k+ Raised
in proceeds supporting ArtPop’s 2027 Artist Cohort.
400+ Attendees
who experienced this incredible event.
30+ Creatives
commissioned to contribute their unique skills.
This event had a substantial impact on our nonprofit mission! Now, we invite community members like you to make a contribution to keep the creativity alive.
Here’s how you can support:
💸 Donate Today, or become a monthly contributor.
🤝 Connect Us with potential partners and supporters
🗣️ Advocate - share your love for ArtPop with those around you!
Thank You to Our Event Supporters:
Presenting Sponsor:
Runway Sponsor:
Additional Sponsors:
In-Kind Sponsors:
Silent Auction Artwork Donors:
Brett Blumenthal, Alex Cason, Eva Crawford, Natalie Daratony, Christopher DeLange, Junior Gomez, Ladianne Henderson, Alexis Howard, Lee Ko, John Komisin, Ángela Lubinecky, Jodi Lynn McNeely, Jill Melyssa, Tanya Murphy, Bree Stallings, and Ian Wegener
Special Thanks to Our Venue Partners, Blume Studios!
Event Credits
Thank You to All Who Made This Event Possible:
RUNWAY FASHION SHOW:
Featured Guest Designer: Virgil Ortiz | Model: Drew Taylor
Designer: Ashton Allen | Model: Rose Tallent
Designer: Kathy Phillips | Model: Amellia Hausmann
Designer & Model: Brandon Hilton
Designer & Model: Krystallin Loudermilk
Designer: Gianna Ross | Model: Keyera Childs
Designer: Brehon Williams | Models: Xavier Stinson, Johnathan Smith, TJ Franklin, and Carlos Whetstone
Designer: Menia Paige | Model: Adriana Reneé
Designer: Flavia Lovatelli | Model: Morgan Rock
Designer: Luko Marion | Model: Sie Snow
Designer: Darrell Anderson | Model: Chris Washington
Designer: Isiah Miller | Model: Da’Navia Huntley
Designer: Itala Flores | Model: Sa’Nya Pritchett
Designer: Margaret Fleeman | Model: Sydney Allen
FEATURED LOCAL ARTIST:
Jill Melyssa
GUEST PERFORMERS:
Carolina Dance Academy
EVENT EMCEE:
Ruby Durham
LIVE DJ:
DJ Byron Stein
VINYL CARPET CORRESPONDENT:
Whitley Adkins
Supported by Paula Azuaje & Rachel Rowe
VIP GUEST COCKTAIL HOUR:
Spoken Word Performer: Dasia Hood
Stylist & Model: ArtPop's Vanessa Ross
Designer: Jamie Lykes, II | Model: Leah Harmon
Designer: Alex Lieberman | Model: Rahquelah Conyers
Designer: Anise Augustin | Model: Brie Burrell
Designer: Will White, Jr. | Model: Jashanta Brown
VIDEOGRAPHER:
Focal 4 Films | Lead by Christopher Cuevas
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Rico Marcelo
Alex Cason
Robb Webb
Sancho Smalls
Nia Cruiz
EVENT MANAGEMENT & PLANNING:
Christine Lockett
VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR:
Meredith Richmond
SILENT AUCTION COORDINATOR:
Heide Roland
CATERING:
La-Tea-Da’s
SPECIAL THANKS TO:
Blume Studios Staff
Silent Auction Donors
ArtPop Events Committee & Our Wonderful Volunteers
Stay Tuned for More Creative Experiences!
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