Once More, with Feeling
Hickory Arts in 2013
As we continued our tenth-anniversary reflection on the history of Hickory Arts, we found ourselves revisiting one of the busiest and most formative years in the studio's story.
By 2013, Hickory Arts had become far more than a teaching studio. Music lessons, acting lessons, artist development, photography, recording, theatre, film, and community partnerships were all intersecting in ways that helped shape the organization we know today.
Looking back on 2013 reveals a year filled with developing artists, original work, creative collaboration, and an ever-growing network of students, organizations, and supporters throughout Hickory and the surrounding region.
The People Behind the Art
One of the most rewarding aspects of Hickory Arts has always been the relationships formed through the creative process.
During our anniversary celebration, many former students, artists, families, and collaborators shared testimonials and memories of their experiences at the studio. Among them were Shannon Underwood, filmmaker Garrick Lane, voice student Reese Connor, Samantha Crabtree, Nathan Crabtree, Holley Dagenhardt, and many others whose stories helped remind us why personalized arts education matters.
These relationships have always been at the heart of Hickory Arts.
Developing Artists
Artist Development continued to gain momentum throughout 2013.
Students such as Victoria Whetzel, Tiffany Faucette, Savannah Spencer, Austin Macasieb, Aly Adams, Shannon Underwood, and others were pursuing opportunities in music, theatre, songwriting, recording, and performance.
Each artist brought a unique voice and creative perspective to the studio.
Austin Macasieb, for example, left a lasting impression with her ability to accompany herself on harp while performing contemporary music—something few of us had ever encountered before. She would later attend Berklee College of Music.
Artists like these reinforced a core belief that continues to guide Hickory Arts today: success looks different for every artist, and meaningful growth comes from developing individual strengths rather than following a predetermined path.
Personality Reels, Headshots & Creative Services
Creative services expanded significantly throughout 2013.
Personality reels for developing actors, professional headshots, promotional photography, audition materials, and artist portfolios became increasingly important parts of what Hickory Arts and Carol Anne Hartman Photography offered the community.
Projects included work with actors such as Payton Lane and Reese Abernethy, as well as countless musicians, dancers, performers, and professionals throughout the region.
Headshot Day at Hickory Arts became another opportunity to support artists by providing professional marketing materials and portfolio development.
Carol Anne Hartman Photography
If there was one constant throughout 2013, it was Carol Anne Hartman Photography.
From ballerinas at NewArts School of Ballet to actors, musicians, YMCA projects, Old Colony Players productions, Jackson Group Interactive campaigns, pageant contestants, seniors, and community organizations, Carol Anne seemed to be everywhere at once.
Her work helped document much of the creative life of the region and became an important part of Hickory Arts' broader commitment to supporting artists and arts organizations.
Theatre, Music Direction & Community Collaboration
The relationship between Hickory Arts and Hickory Community Theatre continued to grow throughout 2013.
Promotional campaigns for productions such as Doctor Dolittle were only part of the story.
Jeff Hartman continued serving as Music Director on numerous productions and was heavily involved in discussions surrounding the newly renovated Jeffers Theatre. One notable contribution involved advocating for modifications to the orchestra pit to improve acoustics and provide greater control over orchestral balance during productions.
The partnership between Hickory Arts and community theatre would continue to strengthen for years to come.
The Last Five Years
Much of the summer of 2013 was devoted to mounting a production of The Last Five Years as part of Hickory Community Theatre's Working Artist Series.
The production featured Carol Anne and Jeff Hartman alongside a live six-piece orchestra and represented the kind of artist-driven collaboration that has long defined Hickory Arts.
Projects like this exemplified the studio's commitment to supporting working artists while creating meaningful artistic opportunities within the community.
Stitch 'n' Bitch and Creative Community
Not every Hickory Arts event revolved around performance.
One of the more unique gatherings during 2013 was Stitch 'n' Bitch, a recurring creative social event where knitters, crocheters, and makers gathered to work on projects, share ideas, and enjoy each other's company.
Artists need community just as much as instruction, and events like these helped strengthen relationships among creative people throughout the region.
House Concerts and Original Music
The Hickory Arts House Concert Series continued to flourish in 2013.
One particularly memorable evening featured Shannon Underwood, Tiffany Faucette, and Aly Adams performing original music alongside Jeff Hartman and Forrest Brown.
The concert reflected everything the House Concert Series was designed to encourage: original work, artist development, collaboration, and meaningful connections between performers and audiences.
Each of these artists represented a different stage in their creative journey, yet all shared a commitment to authentic artistic expression.
Recording, Production & Original Releases
Recording projects remained a central part of studio life.
Artists continued writing, recording, producing, and releasing original material through Hickory Arts and Plastic Moon Records.
Aly Adams demonstrated the spirit of the "Everything Artist" by not only writing and recording music but also creating visual artwork for her releases.
Shannon Underwood released original music written and produced through collaborations developed at Hickory Arts.
These projects reinforced the idea that artists often thrive when given opportunities to explore multiple creative disciplines.
Community Recognition
By late 2013, Hickory Arts was receiving increasing recognition throughout the region.
Conover Life Magazine featured the studio, while filmmakers such as Garrick Lane continued casting familiar Hickory Arts artists in commercial and promotional projects.
It was rewarding to see artists, students, and collaborators finding opportunities beyond the walls of the studio.
Closing Out 2013
Hickory Arts rounded out an incredibly busy year with A Charlie Brown Christmas, bringing another chapter of music, theatre, and community collaboration to a close.
Looking back now, 2013 feels like a year when many of the studio's defining characteristics fully emerged.
Artist Development was flourishing.
The House Concert Series was growing.
Creative Services were expanding.
Students were performing, recording, auditioning, and creating original work.
Most importantly, relationships continued to form that would shape Hickory Arts for years to come.
Home is where the art is.
Continue the Hickory Arts 10th Anniversary Tour
This article is part of our Hickory Arts 10th Anniversary retrospective series documenting the people, projects, performances, and partnerships that helped shape our studio and the local arts community.
Additional entries from the anniversary tour can be found through the original Mailchimp archive:
