Hickory – ATAC Gallery at 1020 3rd Ave Dr NW in Hickory is presenting a dual summer art exhibition called Two Rooms One Pulse, bringing together two distinct worlds under one roof with two rooms filled with rhythm, color, and connection. They all move to the same creative pulse and are curated by gallery owner Paul Hunter Speagle, an internationally renowned artist. The opening reception is August 15, 2025, from 6:00pm – 9:00pm and the exhibit will run through September 7th. The exhibit will close on September 7th with a panel discussion featuring the artists from 3:00pm – 6:00pm.
One room features four local artists; Andrew Atkin, Brett Bradshaw, Derrick Chalfant, and Robert Echerd who shape landscapes, patterns, and abstractions through bold color and gesture. Their work speaks of terrain both real and imagined – echoes of earth, sky, and memory layered in bright expressive marks. Their pieces hum with energy, rooted in place and motion and comment on communication. These artists have diverse talents and a passion for creative expression.
In the other room is a mother/son collaboration who share their intertwined visual language – intimate, illustrative, and precise. LA based artist James Smith and his mother Susan Smith will share works through graphic storytelling and pointillist detail. They explore generational bonds, personal mythologies, and the fine threads that tie image to meaning. You will experience two unique artists that stand together to create works that are whimsical and thought-provoking.
Also in this room are Joan E. Garder and Alvin Jacobs, Jr. who are collaborating on multimedia pieces that are politically charged and can spark vigorous conversation. Their work is powerful and speaks to the issues of today.
Though the rooms differ in style and voice, a shared current runs through them: the power of interpretation, inheritance, and imagination. Two rooms. One pulse. A summer celebration of contrast, kinship, and creative synchronicity.
ATAC Gallery was established in Hickory in 2014 by international artist Paul Hunter Speagle as an independent contemporary art space dedicated to showcasing powerful works by both emerging and established artists from around the globe, offering a rare and transformative opportunity to experience world-class contemporary art here at home.
“When I grew up you could not make a living in Hickory as an artist, so I had to move to New York to become a professional artist. As the digital world connected us all from our homes and offices, I decided to move back to my hometown to be close to family while still being connected with the contemporary art world. Even so, I was disappointed to realize that it was still too hard to make a living as an artist in this area, let alone get a chance to experience contemporary art in live exhibits by modern artists. I set out on a mission to mold and guide the Hickory art scene, giving emerging artists a chance to make a living doing what they love. ATAC Gallery is the first contemporary art gallery in Hickory that allows artists the proper platform to showcase their art and give it the upmost respect they deserve.”
For more information about the Two Rooms One Pulse Art Exhibit, please contact Paul Hunter Speagle at hunteratac@gmail.com
Photo: Paul Hunter Speagle, creator and owner of Atac Gallery is seen hanging paintings he curated for the upcoming art exhibit opening there on August 15, 2025 featuring eight local artists: Andrew Atkin, Brett Bradshaw, Derrick Chalfant, Robert Echerd, Joan E. Gardner, Alvin Jacobs, Jr., James Smith and Susan Smith. The exhibit runs through September 7, 2025.
