On this episode of Oui Talk Raw, host Terry Hudson (The DreamMaker) sits down with Arthur and Joanne Rogers, two of the driving forces behind Charlotte’s VAPA Center (Visual and Performing Arts Center).
From a bold vision in 2021 to a thriving home for nearly 400 artists today, VAPA has become a cultural anchor in Uptown Charlotte—offering affordable space, collaboration, and community for creatives of every discipline.
Arthur, the Executive Director, and Joanne, founder of Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery and Co‑Chair of Programming and Curation at VAPA, share the story of how a grassroots dream became a city‑shaping reality. They open up about the challenges of launching a center during uncertain times, the partnerships that made it possible, and the future they see for Charlotte’s “Creative Mile.”
Tune in for a powerful conversation about vision, resilience, and the role the arts play in shaping community. Whether you’re a creative, a supporter of the arts, or someone who loves seeing big dreams come to life, this episode will inspire you.
How VAPA Became a Cultural Anchor | Joanne & Arthur Rogers on Charlotte’s Art Evolution
About Me – Arthur & Joanne Rogers
Arthur Rogers is a painter and graphic designer. Arthur now serves as the Executive Director of The VAPA Center.
Joanne Rogers – an entrepreneur, gallery owner, artist advocate, arts consultant, community builder & photographer. The word “Visionary” has often been used to describe Joanne Rogers. Joanne believes that art is a necessity – not a luxury. It is used to assist with healing, educating, communicating and adding beauty to our existence. It helps sustain balance.
In her efforts to make art available to all and to serve the creatives which provide us with this valuable resource, she has founded organizations such as:
AngelOak Photography (2011)
The Palette Table (2016)
Nine Eighteen Nine Studio Gallery (formerly 9.18.9) (2020)
Charlotte International Arts Exchange (2022)
Co-Founded 9.18.9 Creative Services (2012), and is a Founding Member of The VAPA Center (2021). Her work to serve underrepresented artists, began in 2016 with the creation of The Palette Table – an organization created to provide mentorship, skills training, paid opportunities & platforms for artists of color to exhibit & sell their works. In 2022, she expanded her vision to focus on using art to connect cultures, strengthen communities and celebrate diversity. Her work has also grown to include curating businesses & homes as well as creating arts programming for local community and organizations. Her favorite words include JOY, Diversity, Collaboration, PLAY, Intentional, Immersive &, of course, ART!
Some notable exhibits curated by Mrs. Rogers include:
JOY
Pain Is Growth Too
Black Boy
America Gentrified
Your Good Neighbor, Clt
The Florida Highwaymen
The Dignity of Memory
Seeing Auschwitz
Crossing Borders: We Are All Immigrants
The Big Ass Canvas Show
SEEN
Our Truth > His Story
– as well as over 100 solo exhibits featuring local artists.
Joanne Rogers has received several awards/acknowledgements for her work in the arts and community:
Humanitarian Award
Trailblazer Award
Best Art Exhibit
Best New Art Space
Best Gallery
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