ARTIST INTERVIEW: Maeve Kirk
Maeve Kirk with “Lady” | CREDIT: Maeve Kirk
Maeve Kirk is Crafting a Creative Future
One Bone, One Bowl, One Bold Idea at a TimeThere’s no easy way to summarize local creative, Maeve Kirk. Just when you think you’ve got a handle on her work, she throws another unexpected element into the mix— ceramics, tattoo design or jewelry crafted from snake vertebrae she collected at a Cherokee powwow. The Hough High School senior is making waves, not just for her technical skills—though those are impressive enough to hold their own amidst seasoned artists—but for the way she fearlessly leans into themes many shy away from – Bodily autonomy. Forced vulnerability. The universal but often unspoken emotions that shape human existence. And if her work shocks you? That’s kind of the point. And, exactly why we’re highlighting her here. A Gold Key TalentMaeve’s talent isn’t just turning heads—it’s winning awards. In February, Maeve was named a Gold Key winner in the Mid Carolina Region Scholastic Art Awards, hosted by the College of Arts + Architecture at UNC Charlotte. Her work was selected out of a talented field of visual artists by Charlotte Is Creative, publisher of The Biscuit. The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards are the nation’s longest-running and most prestigious recognition program for creative teens, honoring outstanding young artists in 28 categories. 
“In Chains” by Maeve Kirk | CREDIT: Maeve Kirk
Born to Create (But, No Pressure)Maeve’s creative journey started early. With parents steeped in the arts—her father has a degree in graphic design and her mother is involved in a variety of art forms —she grew up in an environment where making things was just part of daily life. Her first ceramics class? Kindergarten. Her first show? The same year. “I wouldn’t call it my best work,” she said. “But, it was cute.” Unlike many young artists who eventually drift away from their creative passions as they age, Maeve has stayed the course.
Maybe that’s because she never put pressure on herself to make art a competition. As someone who’s spent years engaged in youth athletics, she’s no stranger to high-stakes environments. Maeve says balancing a wide array of activities, including sports, is essential to who she is. And, art has always been a space where she could create freely—without rules, without expectations, without the need to overcomplicate. That philosophy has served her well. After years of honing her skills growing up in Davidson, she’s now part of Hough’s highest-level ceramics class—one reserved for students who have committed to four years of study. On top of that, she’s developing an AP 3D portfolio that showcases her evolving vision. 
“Flayed” by Maeve Kirk | CREDIT: Maeve Kirk
A Body of Work That Doesn’t Shy AwayMaeve’s work is deeply personal and deeply human. She explores themes of gender, feminism and the intensity of lived experiences—especially those that often go unspoken. “There’s a piece I made about women’s reproductive issues,” she explains. “It’s universal, but also so personal.” Her work often sparks strong reactions. Some people connect instantly, recognizing emotions they may not have had words for. “I’ve had people be disturbed or grossed out by some of my work,” she says, “but I think art is supposed to invoke a reaction—whether it’s good or bad.” From Clay to Tattoos to Bone Jewelry—Yes, Bone JewelryIf Maeve’s artwork challenges conventional boundaries, so does her choice of mediums. Ceramics remains her first love—she’s drawn to its versatility and the many directions it can take—but she’s also making her mark in other ways. She creates wearable ceramics. She designs tattoos. She runs her own jewelry business, Liminal Burial Jewelry, where she makes custom pieces from ethically sourced bones. But she’s not stopping there. Welding is next on her list, and if all goes well, she’ll be tattooing her designs herself before long. Raise your hand if you want to help her. What’s Next for Maeve?Despite her growing success, Maeve is keeping her post-high school plans flexible. She’s taking a gap year to reset, but she’ll still be deep in the clay—literally. She’s continuing her internship at Clayworks in Charlotte and hopes to land artist residencies at schools like Arrowmont, a longtime dream destination. Long term, she plans to pursue a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) degree with a ceramics focus. She’s also bracing for the reality that art alone might not pay the bills. “I know I’ll need a side job,” she says, “especially because I don’t want to make functional art. I have a lot of respect for people who do, but for me, art isn’t something that needs to serve a practical purpose. It should just … exist.” That mindset might not make for the easiest career path, but let’s be real—nothing about Maeve Kirk’s work has ever played it safe. And if her art makes you think, makes you feel, maybe even makes you a little uncomfortable? Then it’s doing exactly what she intended. 
Maeve Kirk at work \ CREDIT: Maeve Kirk
Wendy Hickey, founder of ArtPop Street Gallery | CREDIT: ArtPop
ARTPOP STREET GALLERY LAUNCHES URGENT FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGNCharlotte-based nonprofit ArtPop Street Gallery announced on Monday, March 24, that without an immediate infusion of $350,000, it cannot continue operations beyond 2025.
Since 2014, ArtPop has filled billboards and screens across the community—and even in Times Square—with art from classes of Charlotte-area creatives. But the idea was born years earlier, when ArtPop founder Wendy Hickey was serving on the board of directors for the Pocono Arts Council in 2002. “I wanted to do something meaningful for the local artists in our Stroudsburg, PA, community and thought, ‘Why not give local artists billboards?’” Hickey said. “I would ask artists directly to pay for the vinyl that wraps billboards, and Adams, my employer, would install them.” Hickey was eventually transferred to Charlotte and brought the idea with her. “I decided to take this idea to the next level, name it ArtPop and start the process of becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.” Impact on Charlotte artistsBy ArtPop’s count, it provides more than $8.5 million in billboard advertising space for 20 artists each year. Beyond the billboards, it offers each class of artists marketing support, training and promotional aid. In the past four years, ArtPop has facilitated $719,000 in paid projects and work for local creatives. Along the way, it has highlighted visual artists, fashion designers, crafting creatives and more. How can you help?Hickey says, “Share our mission with those with the ability to donate and support the mission at whatever amount they can. Introduce us to art-loving community members who may be interested in financially supporting the mission.” She is also thinking beyond ArtPop’s immediate needs. “Share, share and share some more about any local arts organizations that you care about. We certainly are not the only arts mission in great need of financial support.” ArtPop is holding a public event on Thursday, April 3, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at TAOH Outdoor Gallery on North Brevard Street. For more information or to donate, click here. 
MAKE MORE CREATIVE FRIENDS!Come to Charlotte Reciprocity Circles
Date: Saturday, April 5 | Time: 10-11:30 a.m.
Location: Seoul Food Mill District | 421 E 26th St A
FREE Tickets: HERE Charlotte Reciprocity Circles (CRC) is a series of live, facilitated social capital exchange events produced by Charlotte Is Creative. This edition’s theme — “Make Creative Friends” — is all about sparking new connections, sharing resources, and strengthening Charlotte’s creative community. Each event kicks off with an inspirational performance by local artists, followed by a structured exchange session led by trained facilitators. Attendees will gather in small groups to share their needs, offer help, and discover new collaborators. Whether you’re looking for advice, funding opportunities, or a creative partner, CRC is designed to break down barriers and help you take your ideas to the next level. What to Expect: - 90-minute interactive session designed to help you meet and collaborate with fellow creatives, entrepreneurs, and community leaders
- A welcoming space to exchange ideas, resources, and inspiration
- Free coffee and breakfast bites
This event is part of our Creative Entrepreneurs Initiative, supported by Wells Fargo, LISC Charlotte, LPL Financial and Mecklenburg County with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). | The Biscuit is proudly sponsored by: |
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