Hickory, NC – Hickory Museum of Art’s newest exhibition features work by college basketball MVP turned textile artist Michael C Thorpe. Quilting is a skill passed on intergenerationally by the matriarchs of Thorpe’s family who were part of the quilting community in New England. He tells stories about his world expressed in quilts of colorful fabric, meandering stitching and printed canvas, and playful pencil and stitched drawings. Thorpe’s subsequent discovery of the Gee’s Bend community of women quilters in Alabama offered the artist deeper personal meaning in his chosen medium and a connection to his heritage.
The exhibition will explore the interconnectedness of Thorpe’s passions – the creative process and basketball. “What happens in basketball is so parallel to what happens in art…. because you have to work so hard when nobody’s watching, just for that chance to get that moment to shine – that one shot, that one show”, said Michael C. Thorpe. The Museum is collaborating with local school systems to turn education inside out by directly connecting local students with a world of opportunities. Kindergarten through High School field trip tours will focus on standards in the visual arts in global, historical, societal, and cultural contexts, along with interdisciplinary connections and life applications. The creative process will be taught as the necessary tool for pursuing one’s dreams in addition to the soft and workforce-ready skills needed for success.
A series of events will surround and enhance the exhibit experience. HMA members are invited for an exclusive behind-the-scenes exhibition tour on Friday, June 28. Executive Director Clarissa Starnes and Exhibitions Manager Kristina Anthony will lead members through the exhibition offering inside information on the creative process of the exhibition’s development, from concept to installation. On Saturday, June 29 from 5 until 7 PM, Hickory Museum of Art invites the community to meet Michael C. Thorpe and learn more about his story at his “Meet the Artist Reception”. Admission to the reception is free. Reservations should be made at www.hickoryart.org.
“Michael C. Thorpe: NO EXPECTATIONS” will be on view to the public from Saturday, June 22 through Sunday, November 10, 2024, in the Coe Gallery. Museum operating hours are Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM, Thursday from 10 AM to 8 PM, and Sunday from 1 to 4 PM. Admission to Hickory Museum of Art is free, however, a suggested donation per person is $5.
Hickory Museum of Art is thankful for the generous support from our exhibition sponsors: Corning Foundation, Linda and John Greenwell, The City of Hickory, Catawba Valley Community College (CVCC), VESCO TOYOTALIFT, Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company of Hickory, Catawba Pediatric Associates, PA, City of Hickory Community Relations Council, Arts Culture Catawba (This project was supported by Arts Culture Catawba through the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, with funding from the National Endowment for the Arts) and annual sponsors Shurtape Technologies and Alex Lee, Inc.
Hickory Museum of Art has a rich, vibrant history that spans eight decades. Established in 1944, the museum has grown to become a prominent cultural institution in the region, showcasing a diverse range of art forms. Over the years, the museum has consistently offered an impressive selection of exhibitions that feature both local and internationally known American artists, allowing visitors to explore various artistic expressions. With its commitment to supporting emerging talents, the museum has also played a vital role in nurturing and promoting the artistic community in Hickory. Through its educational programs, workshops, and collaborations with other arts organizations, Hickory Museum of Art continues to foster a dynamic and inclusive space for creativity and cultural enrichment. The museum is located on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory. Admission is free. For more information about museum exhibitions, art classes, field trips, and events visit www.hickoryart.org or call the Museum at 828-327-8576, ext. 201. Business sponsorship information is also available at the same telephone number.
