Hickory
North Carolina
Hickory Museum of Art
History
Paul Austin Wayne Whitener was the founder and first director of the Hickory Museum of Art. In 1935, the Hickory native and Duke University football player, spent the summer in Little Switzerland, North Carolina. It was there he met his future wife, Mildred McKinney Whitener Coe, and his career path would make a dramatic turn. He watched Mickey paint a mountain landscape and thought he would like to try his hand at it. Paul was a natural, and it was there his passion for art was born. Paul's artistic talent advanced rapidly. He enrolled in the Ringling Museum of Art's summer school in Little Switzerland, and later studied under notable artists, Wilford Conrow, Frank Herring and Donald Blake.
Paul's desire to share his own growing appreciation of art prompted him to announce his intention to start an art museum in Hickory, North Carolina, where he had been raised. Area residents shared his vision and in 1944 Paul Whitener's dream was realized, and the Hickory Museum of Art was established. Today, it is the second oldest art museum in North Carolina. Paul served as the first director until his death in 1959. Mickey became the director after his death and served in that position until 1995.
In 1986, the Hickory Museum of Art moved into its current location in the Arts and Science Center of Catawba Valley, initially built as Claremont High School. Our exhibitions feature our Permanent Collection of American Art and works borrowed from private collectors and other institutions. Click on the exhibitions tab on the left to see what is currently on display at the Museum. You can also learn more about what art HMA collects and features.
Recent News
11th Annual The Autolawn Party Benefits Hickory Museum of Art
Community family-friendly event features Euro Classic Car Show, live music, beer garden, and more HICKORY, NC – Hickory Museum of Art’s 11th Annual Autolawn Euro Classic Car Show returns to the SALT Block Lawn. The Autolawn Party is an…
Read More »Hickory Museum of Art Opens New Exhibition, "Curating Life: Our Museum, Our Story - A Randy Bacon Exhibition"
"Curating Life: Our Museum, Our Story - A Randy Bacon Exhibition" Art plays a role in all of our lives. This is captured in a special project by humanitarian and renown photographer Randy Bacon in honor of Hickory Museum of Art’s 80th…
Read More »Al Torres One Person Exhibition at Windows Gallery
Charlotte, North Carolina artist Alvaro Torres shares his multi-view paintings as part of the Local Artist Series. Each painting offers three unique views. For example, when approached from the left the viewer will see a landscape and when…
Read More »Early Registration Now Open for The Tenth Annual Autolawn Party
Early Registration Now Open for The Tenth Annual Autolawn Party Free of Charge Community family-friendly event features Euro Classic Car Show, live music, beer garden, and more. HICKORY, NC – Registration is now open for The 10th Annual…
Read More »Hickory Museum of Art Opening Day Festivities for Exhibitions
Hickory Museum of Art Opening Day Festivities for Exhibitions “Ben Venom: BANG YOUR HEAD”, “Ping's Studio”, and “Aloha Shirts: Celebrating Paradise Culture” Hickory, NC - Join Hickory Museum of Art on Saturday,…
Read More »Art Exhibition Created Especially for Children Returns to Hickory Museum of Art
Art Exhibition Created Especially for Children Returns to Hickory Museum of Art Hickory Museum of Art is pleased to announce the return of junior HMA – An exhibition created especially for children and their families that encourages…
Read More »Hickory Museum Of Art Announces Education Manager’s Retirement
After 25 years as HMA’s Education Manager, Ginny Zellmer has announced her retirement for August 2023. During her career at HMA, she has worked with over 74,000 children and students through art classes, summer camps, museum field trips and…
Read More »Hickory Museum of Art : 36th Annual Oktoberfest Juried Arts and Crafts Applications Being Accepted
36th Annual Oktoberfest Juried Arts and Crafts Applications Being Accepted Be a part of Downtown Hickory’s 36thAnnual Oktoberfest!! Hickory, NC: Hickory’s Oktoberfest 2023 is now accepting applications for Arts and Crafts vendors. …
Read More »Hickory Museum of Art : Community Organizations Collaborate on HMA Exhibition Programming
HICKORY, NC – Hickory Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, “Charles White: A Little Higher” will examine the ongoing relevance of Charles White’s [1918–1979] artistic achievement today. This exhibition weaves…
Read More »Hickory Museum Of Art News - March 7, 2023
The Hickory Museum of Art Board of Trustees announced today that Clarissa Starnes has been appointed Executive Director. Clarissa has served as Associate Director for the last six years and worked in multiple other capacities for the four years…
Read More »Hickory Museum of Art Announces Executive Director’s Departure To Mobile Museum Of Art
HICKORY, NC – Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) announced that Jon Carfagno, Executive Director, has accepted a position in Mobile, Alabama, as the Executive Director of Mobile Museum of Art (MMofA). He will depart HMA effective January 14, 2023.…
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