Reilly Yount

Born in Hickory, and Attending from W.C.U. in Art education Rielly Yount worked teaching art in Newton-Conover schools for more then 30 years.

His glass has evolved in his 20 years of working with it starting with stained glass, and after retirement he is now working with fused glass.

He pays close attention to his use of different types of glass and colors. This results in beautiful patterns and use of line in his work.

Audrey Swan

While North Carolina as a whole has a fine textile tradition, it also has strong roots in folk art or primitive art. These are often traditions that are rooted in the past or the artists memories while commonly created with unusual materials that may have been found in everyday life.

These are some of the ideas that one thinks about when you see the hand hooked rugs created by Audrey Swan. These lovely rugs are created from textiles, often old clothing that has been deconstructed and reused into an art form that has a long tradition in and of itself. 

Audrey has been making these beautiful one of a kind rugs for 10 years and has recently started to share them with us in the Hickory Museum of Art Galleria. They each show the love that has gone into each piece, and would make a wonderful addition to any home.

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.