Tony Atkin

Wood working comes in many forms, though one fact it that it has the ability to show form with a natural aesthetic. Tony Atkin has done just this with his wood pieces that are found in the HMA Galleria. From fine crafted wood walking sticks to creative and unique “knot birds”.

Tony has been working with wood for forty years though has also worked in a number of other materials including glass and other natural materials. The one thing that stands out most about the pieces here would be their natural feel. They all “Bring out what is there to start with” with simple embellishments that add to the from the earth effect rather than distract. These natural forms from about when “happenstance” meets creativity.

So from functional walking sticks to one of kind wooden creatures these being a bit of nature into the home.

Nov 21 Open House

The Holidays are here, and The Galleria will start to show the season. What better way to share holiday spirit then finding that special gift for a loved one. While this blog is about showcasing one artist at time, this time of year is so full of creativity and art that why stop at only one.

The Hickory Museum of Art will be offering an Open House to showcase our artists and all of their special abilities.
From mugs and ceramic rain makers to jewelry and fashion there will be see and speak with each of the artists about.

Not to mention the musical skills of Casey Clark will be live. 

Quilts by Joan Barnes

 Quilting is an often under appropriated art form. In a day and age of mass-production Joan Barnes quilts remind us of craftsmanship and traditions of a different time. These quilts offer not only warmth of body but also soul. A hand made quilt is a testament of love, along with skill and vision.  Each piece of fabric cut and stitched to be placed just so, with layers to provide warmth and comfort.

Joan Barnes has a collection of styles from traditional to more contemporary. Each is made to last and become the next family treasure for those that fall in love with them.

The Wooden Button

"It all started as a love for fabric. "  That is one thing that shows in all of Audrey Joyce's work. Her fun and whimsical designs have a sense of love being made into each piece. "I love making things that bring joy to others..."

Audrey started her craft while living on the east coast only a short drive from Wrightsville Beach, only having moved to the Granite Falls area 3 years ago. Her family is a big part of her life and inspiration for you work.

"We couldn't afford much as kids so I began by making my own doll clothes. 

My family says I got my crafty gene from my great grandma Spooner. My Mom and Grandma made me cloths and my first pageant dress."  How her work ranges from plush owls to small bags and cup cozies. Each makes a bit of color in someones day.

Dee's Designs

                                                                                                    In 1986 Michael and Cornelia Allman open their Fine Jewelry Store in downtown Conover within the former Post Office Building. Over the years they found an opening in the market for more unique and affordable pieces. From this Dee's Designs was born. In 2009 Dee's Designs started offering jewelry handcrafted from vintage and estate jewelry, coins, and even flatware. Often these pieces of one of a kind wearable art are made with a special person in mind. Even spoons, forks and old coins become amazing treasures for someone that likes a personal touch while still affordable.

Belinda Wilfong

Pottery Artist

After thirty years of teaching, Belinda retired and found herself drawn to taking lessons at Rising Sun in Lincolnton, NC.  This was to be an endeavor of maintaining her spirit of creativity.  Over a period of several years Belinda began getting requests for birdhouses, welcome signs, platters, dish sets, etc.  Now, most of the pieces Belinda produces are special order items from schools, companies and individuals.

Belinda began her pottery making as a fun venture; its still is and has the added joy of a way to give back to a community that has given so much of them.

Her work is found at the Hickory Museum of Art

Blue Ridge Jewels

Sally A. Enright

" Channeling the 60's, and my love of colors, I started tie dying these 100% silk scarves. (11" x 60") Silk scarves are cool in the summer and warm in the winter and a percent accent piece. Each scarf is washed thoroughly to set the colors and each is one of a kind. I am constantly surprised and, invariably, pleased with the results. What fun to see the colors around you and transfer them to wearable art."


These lovely gems can be found at the Hickory Museum of Art's Galleria Shop

Judith Covey

Trasplanted from upstate New York, Judith and her husband Chad have been volunteering at HMA for 10 years.  Judith, former HMA Guild President, keeps busy creating beautiful items for the Galleria.  While traveling, Judith obtains wool and creates scarves, handbags, and totes.  Some are felted, some are knitted.  Judith is also a skilled painter, and she creates lovely hand painted furniture and other gift items.  Judith and Chad volunteer in the Galleria each month, which is a natural fit since Judith is a former gift shop owner!  Come to the Galleria to see all of Judith's beautiful creations.

Vickie Jo Franks

Artist

Vickie Jo Franks is an artist born in rural North Carolina.  Her work presents in sculptures and two dimensional constructions.  Franks’ work is an honest, tenacious spiritual voice with deep concerns for NC, the world and beyond. Each piece is assembled with recycled materials both man made and natural.  Franks’ work is part of corporate and private collections and was recently installed at the Hickory Museum of Art as “River Cats”.  Franks earned a BA in Art from Queens University and has advanced studies in art, theology/psychology, and writing from Arrowmount School of Craft Design, Gardner Webb University, South Eastern Seminary, and UNCC. For more images of he creative work one can not only join us here at the Galleria but also on her website www.vickiejofranks.com 

Gin Hurley

Pottery Artists
Tigersmoon Designs

Through history a few things have held a place as foundations of societies. Language, art, and myth are a few that get accredited for much, however pottery is often forgotten until it emerges as art. However without this technology/skill food storage and trade would have often been impossible. Cultures often unknowingly revolved around the use of pottery and were shaped by is much like the clay itself. This is the foundation for Gin's work with the wheel. She focuses on the function and history of a form though gives it a modern twist.

With a life long interest in art, she studied ceramics and glaze chemistry at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte. Her interest was peaked by her architectural and engineering classes along with here sociology and anthropology classes. She began teaching through community education programs in Charlotte, N.C. Salt Lake City Utah, and most recently in her hometown of Hickory N.C. She works hard to bring function back to pottery while still having the luxury of beauty.

Welcome to the Galleria, located in the lobby of the Hickory Museum of Art. We focus on featuring the work of local artists. In a day of mass production and exporting of goods we take the time to show the skills and vision of our very own neighbors.

We not only give them a place to share their work but also showcase artists. This blog will be yet another chance to see what wonderful masterpieces can be found within, and the artist themselves. Each month one artist will be highlighted so not only their work but also they, themselves will shine.