CHARLOTTE -- One local organization is introducing the public to different artists by bringing artwork out of the studio and onto billboards around the city.

Twenty artists were selected and their work began going up this week. Pictures range from portraits to abstract, and will rotate locations throughout the year, giving the public access to free art while simply driving down the street.

Charlotte painter Osiris Rain is one of 20 artists selected this year to have their artwork on display in a unique way in the city. Rain stood in front of his piece while describing where the idea came from and what it represents.

"It's man in contemplated thought and uh, I'd like to leave it up to the viewer if he's happy, sad or pondering anything," said Rain.

Rain's work is now on a billboard along Independence Boulevard. His painting "An Unbearable Darkness" went from 48 by 44 inches to 14 by 48 feet. Rain says he was blown away by how large his painting became. He drove by it the very first day it went up to get a look for himself. And now the picture can be viewed by a completely new audience every minute.

The Arts & Science Council paid for the vinyl print while 'Art Pop' found available billboard space, donated by Adams Outdoor Advertising. This is the third year of the program. The goal is to promote local artists while introducing the community to a little culture.

"You don't have to have money, you don't have to live in a certain area of town,” said Program Director for Community and Cultural Investment at ASC, Liz Fitzgerald. “You're just driving to work, kids to school, headed to the grocery store and you have the chance to experience art."

Billboards began going up this week and rotate throughout the city depending on where space is available.

"I get phone calls and emails and texts, tweets from people saying, 'Thanks for making my drive better,'” said Art Pop Founder Wendy Hickey.   

'Art Pop' is working to develop a similar program in Greensboro, Raleigh and Winston-Salem.

Rain's original painting is now part of a permanent collection at the European Museum of Modern Art in Barcelona, Spain.