Let's start at the very beginning.
The Beginning of Hickory Arts: 2009–2011
As we celebrated the tenth anniversary of Hickory Arts, we spent time reflecting on the people, projects, performances, and partnerships that helped shape our journey.
Looking back on those first years reminds us how much of what defines Hickory Arts today was already taking shape. During these formative years, the foundations were laid for what would eventually become Hickory Arts' music lessons, acting lessons, artist development programs, creative services, recording projects, photography services, and House Concert Series in Hickory, North Carolina. Long before those programs became staples of the studio, there was a simple goal: create meaningful opportunities for artists and contribute to the creative life of our community.
As Maria famously sings in The Sound of Music, "Let's start at the very beginning."
So let's do exactly that.
The Heart of Our Humble Beginnings
One of the earliest milestones on the road to Hickory Arts was a Firemen's Kitchen concert in 2009 featuring singer-songwriter Shannon Underwood.
Shannon became more than a performer or collaborator. She became part of the extended Hickory Arts family and remains closely connected to many of our earliest memories and creative projects.
Early collaborations, such as The Shannon Underwood Project, helped establish many of the creative relationships that would shape the future of Hickory Arts.
When we look back on those beginnings, we often think less about buildings and business plans and more about people. Relationships have always been at the center of what we do.
Preserving Local Theatre History
In August 2009, we were tasked with producing a five-part documentary series celebrating the 60th Anniversary of Hickory Community Theatre.
The project gave us the opportunity to explore the history of community theatre in Catawba County while learning from many of the artists, volunteers, directors, and educators who helped build the local arts community.
It also reinforced a lesson that continues to guide Hickory Arts today: every thriving arts community stands on the shoulders of those who came before it.
Artists like Charles Jeffers and countless others created the foundation upon which so much local art continues to grow.
Theatre, Technology, and Creative Experimentation
Innovation has always been part of the creative process.
In early 2010, we explored film-for-stage effects for Hickory Community Theatre's production of Macbeth. The project later received a Metrolina Theatre Association Award for Outstanding Special Technical Film-for-Stage Effect.
The work combined theatre, filmmaking, projection, and storytelling in ways that reflected our growing interest in crossing artistic disciplines.
That interdisciplinary mindset would eventually become one of the defining characteristics of Hickory Arts.
The Birth of Down to Hear Studios
The years 2010 and 2011 were remarkably busy.
The journey officially accelerated with a Master Songwriting Class and the Grand Opening of Down to Hear Studios in partnership with The Garage Bookstore.
Located next to Johnson Piano & Organ Exchange, the studio became a gathering place for musicians, performers, writers, photographers, filmmakers, and developing artists.
Many of the ideas that would later become Hickory Arts were already present: personalized instruction, mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to helping artists create original work.
Recording, Film Scoring, and Production
Creative production quickly became an important part of the studio's identity.
In 2010, the studio contributed score work for the film Pendulum Swings while also producing music for commercial projects, including work for Kettle Brand Potato Chips.
These projects allowed us to expand beyond live performance and arts education into recording, production, film scoring, and media creation.
Today, that tradition continues through the creative services offered by Hickory Arts and Plastic Moon.
Photography and Creative Education
During these early years, Carol Anne Hartman Photography played an important role in the growth of the studio and the local arts community.
Work ranged from headshots and artist portfolios to theatre photography, dance photography, promotional imagery, and educational workshops.
Classes such as DSLR Camera Basics and Capture It! introduced aspiring photographers to the technical and creative aspects of photography while helping strengthen the studio's educational mission.
The impact of those efforts can still be seen throughout the region today.
Supporting Developing Artists
As the studio continued to grow, so did its involvement with artist development.
One of the earliest partnerships that would continue for years involved Hickory Rotary Club's Rotarian Idol competition.
Beginning in 2011, Hickory Arts helped coach finalists and support developing performers as they prepared for public performance opportunities.
The relationship would eventually span more than a decade and become one of many ways Hickory Arts helped artists gain real-world experience beyond the lesson room.
Students Taking the Stage
One of the most rewarding aspects of arts education is seeing students share their talents with an audience.
In 2011, students began appearing in festivals, performances, competitions, and community events throughout the region. One memorable example came in May 2011 when student Harrison Carter performed at the Music & Mud Festival at Newton Performing Arts Center alongside Forrest Brown, Jeff Hartman, and Jeremy Shaw.
These opportunities reflected a philosophy that remains central to Hickory Arts today: artistic growth happens not only through instruction, but also through participation.
Lessons provide the foundation.
Experience builds confidence.
The First House Concert
In May 2011, Five Head Entertainment helped arrange what would become our first official house concert featuring singer-songwriter Charlie Parr.
At the time, we were still operating as Down to Hear Studios, but the seeds of what would later become the Hickory Arts House Concert Series were already being planted.
What began as a simple concert would eventually grow into one of the most recognizable and distinctive parts of the Hickory Arts experience.
Over the years, the series has hosted local, regional, and nationally touring artists while creating meaningful connections between performers and audiences.
Creativity Beyond the Studio
Not every project involved lessons, concerts, or productions.
Some simply involved spending time with family, experimenting with ideas, and creating something fun together.
Those moments remind us that creativity is not limited to professional work. It thrives wherever imagination, curiosity, and collaboration are encouraged.
That spirit continues to influence the culture of Hickory Arts today.
The Wizard's Chamber and Artistic Collaboration
Another memorable project from 2011 involved creating a film-for-stage effect for The Wizard of Oz at The Green Room Community Theatre.
Projects like this highlighted the collaborative nature of the arts community and the willingness of local artists to experiment, innovate, and support one another.
Many of the partnerships formed during those years continue to this day.
Winter's Hope
The first chapter of our story concluded with Carol Anne Hartman Photography's Winter's Hope exhibit and artist reception at Newton-Conover Auditorium.
The exhibit represented not only a significant artistic achievement but also the culmination of two years filled with photography, theatre, music, production, education, and community engagement. By that point, Carol Anne Hartman Photography had already become deeply woven into the artistic life of the region, producing headshots, band portfolios, theatre design work, dance photography, YMCA projects, and promotional imagery for artists and organizations throughout the community.
By that point, it had become clear that something larger was taking shape.
Looking Back
When we reflect on 2009 through 2011, we see the beginnings of what would eventually become Hickory Arts.
We see artists finding their voices.
We see mentors investing in students.
We see partnerships forming across the community.
We see musicians, actors, photographers, educators, filmmakers, and organizations working together to create something meaningful.
Most importantly, we see the values that continue to guide Hickory Arts today:
Personalized instruction.
Creative collaboration.
Artist development.
Community engagement.
And the belief that home is where the art is.
Continue the Hickory Arts Anniversary Tour
This article is part of the Hickory Arts anniversary retrospective series documenting the people, projects, performances, and partnerships that helped shape our studio and the local arts community.
Additional entries from the original anniversary tour can be found through the Mailchimp archive:
