Hickory – Beginning Thursday, June 3rd, Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) will offer new evening hours each Thursday through August 12 from 5 PM until 9 PM. In addition to participation in special programs and other activities, guests will have the ability to leisurely explore HMA’s newest exhibitions during this new effort to
expand upon the Museum’s standard operating hours. For more information on special programming and member-only events, visit www.hickoryart.org/events. HMA Executive Director, Jon Carfagno said, “Our new 2021-2025 Strategic Plan focuses on making HMA even more accessible to our community. The addition of evening hours on Thursdays will allow for new programs and events in the galleries, which will connect visitors through experiences that are creative, meaningful, and fun.”
Created especially for children and their families, “juniorHMA: The Exhibition” encourages engagement with Hickory Museum of Art’s Collection in the Shuford Gallery. Every artwork in the show has a corresponding hands-on interactive sensory component. The exhibition also launches a new campaign designed for all children, reflecting HMA’s core belief of Complete Inclusivity. “Creativity is My Superpower” has engagement opportunities throughout the Museum’s galleries for children to “power up” their creativity. Each child receives an activity guide to fuel their creativity in the Museum and at home.
Beginning Saturday June 12, the Whitener & Windows Galleries will feature an exhibition by local artist, Betty Garrou (1919-2018). The exhibition “Betty Bowles Garrou: A Retrospective of Paintings” includes a sampling of works of various media, created over her expansive art career. The artist’s connection to Paul Whitener will also be highlighted in the gallery of his name. The Museum has two works by Garrou in our collection.
The second floor Coe Gallery will feature “Life Has Nothing Sweeter than Its Springtime: Paintings by Paul de Longpré” from June 19 through September 19. This exhibition tells the story of how Paul de Longpré’s love of flowers fueled a breathtaking creative quest that brought an artist from humble beginnings to the paramount of success. This is the first time this grouping of over forty paintings from the collection of Barbara and Randal Williams has been on exhibition.
Hickory Museum of Art is taking every precaution to keep you safe during your visit and will continue to monitor and follow current guidance from NC Governor Roy Cooper and the CDC. Admission to the Museum is free. Donation boxes are available on the first and second floors if visitors would like to make a contribution.
Hickory Museum of Art 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.
