One Week More!
Hickory Arts in Early 2013
As we continued our tenth-anniversary journey through the history of Hickory Arts, we found ourselves looking back at the beginning of 2013.
By the spring of 2020, Hickory Arts had temporarily closed its doors along with much of the world. Like so many artists, educators, organizations, and small businesses, we were waiting, hoping, and doing our best to remain optimistic. Looking back through old photos, videos, projects, and memories became a reminder of why the studio existed in the first place and why the arts matter so deeply to our community.
When we arrived at early 2013, something stood out.
The studio was beginning to find its footing.
Many of the programs, partnerships, and traditions that continue to define Hickory Arts today were no longer ideas. They were becoming realities.
A Studio Finding Its Place
The year began with encouraging signs that Hickory Arts was becoming an increasingly visible part of the local arts community.
In January 2013, Jeff and Carol Anne Hartman appeared on WHKY's First Talk with Hal Row, sharing the story and vision behind Hickory Arts with the community.
These moments were reminders that the studio was becoming more than a place for lessons. It was becoming part of the broader conversation about arts, education, and creativity in Hickory and the surrounding region.
Artists Growing Alongside Us
One of the greatest privileges of operating Hickory Arts has always been watching artists grow over time.
In 2013, artists such as Savannah Spencer continued developing their skills through performance opportunities, mentorship, songwriting, and voice training. Having already gained attention through Hickory Rotary Club's Rotarian Idol competition, Savannah represented the kind of long-term artistic growth that remains central to the studio's philosophy.
The same was true for students such as Reese Connor, who shared during our anniversary campaign:
"Hi. I'm Reese. I do beauty pageants, and I came to Jeff for singing lessons. I love coming to him every week to work on new things. I love Hickory Arts."
Likewise, guitar student Samantha Crabtree reflected on her own experience:
"I've been taking guitar at Hickory Arts for about five years. I am so thankful to be taught by Jeff and I love every single lesson."
Their stories serve as reminders that artistic growth rarely happens overnight. It develops through consistency, encouragement, mentorship, and a willingness to keep showing up.
Creativity in Every Corner
While music lessons and artist development remained at the heart of the studio, creativity was flourishing in many different forms.
Carol Anne Hartman Photography continued expanding throughout the community. Her work was featured at the YMCA and could be found supporting dancers, actors, musicians, businesses, community organizations, and local arts groups. Collaborations with NewArts School of Ballet and countless other creative partners helped document and celebrate the artistic life of the region.
The annual Valentine's Day photo sessions returned once again, filling the studio with families, laughter, and memorable moments.
Meanwhile, Hickory Arts began hosting Stitch 'n' Bitch, a creative gathering that welcomed knitters, crocheters, makers, and artists looking to share ideas, projects, food, and fellowship.
Not every creative experience happened on a stage.
Some happened around a table.
Expanding the Stage
Performance opportunities also continued to grow.
The relationship between Hickory Arts and Hickory Community Theatre remained strong through promotional projects and creative collaborations, including work supporting productions such as House of Blue Leaves.
In January, Charlotte Comedy Theater, Hickory Community Theatre, and Hickory Arts partnered to offer a free improv workshop, introducing participants to spontaneity, creativity, communication, and performance skills.
March brought another exciting milestone with the launch of Acting Up!, a class designed specifically for young performers. Through theatre games, storytelling, improvisation, and character development, students were encouraged to discover confidence, creativity, and self-expression in a supportive environment.
Looking back, it is easy to see the beginnings of what would eventually become the acting instruction programs offered at Hickory Arts today.
House Concerts and Community
By 2013, the Hickory Arts House Concert Series was becoming one of the studio's defining traditions.
Valentine's Day featured a memorable performance by Dustin and Lee Ousley, while March welcomed the Moore Brothers Band, featuring Jacob Moore, Isaac Moore, and Daniel Perry.
These concerts embodied something that remains important to us today: meaningful listening.
House concerts create a unique environment where artists and audiences can connect without distractions. Stories are shared. Songs are heard. Relationships are built.
Many years later, the House Concert Series continues to serve that same purpose.
Learning from Professionals
One of the most valuable opportunities we can provide students is access to working professionals.
Throughout 2013, Kyle Vincent returned to Hickory Arts for recording sessions, mentoring opportunities, and songwriting instruction. His willingness to invest in developing artists provided invaluable insight into songwriting, recording, publishing, and navigating the music industry.
At the same time, filmmaker Garrick Lane remained a frequent collaborator. Jeff's score work for Another Night in America reflected the ongoing relationship between Hickory Arts and regional film production.
Years later, Garrick would reflect on his family's relationship with the studio:
"We've been taking the kids to Hickory Arts for over ten years now. I love what the Hartmans do with them. We love their house concerts, and we love what they've done for the community here in Hickory."
That sentiment captures much of what Hickory Arts has always hoped to accomplish.
Recognition and Responsibility
The partnership with Hickory Rotary Club's Rotarian Idol competition continued through vocal coaching, recording, and editing support for finalists.
Then, in March 2013, Hickory Arts was honored as the Hickory/Western Piedmont Macaroni Kid Family Choice Award Winner for Favorite Music Instruction.
The recognition was especially meaningful because it came directly from families and students in the community.
While awards are never the goal, trust is.
The support of students, parents, artists, and community partners has always been one of the greatest privileges of operating Hickory Arts.
Preserving Stories
Another memorable project from 2013 involved documenting actor, educator, and North Carolina arts advocate James Best during his one-man show at Hickory Community Theatre.
The opportunity served as a reminder that preserving stories is every bit as important as creating them.
The same was true of our continued friendship and collaboration with playwright Molly Bass, including another production of Christmas Eve with Steve at St. Luke's United Methodist Church.
Artists build communities through relationships, and many of those relationships continue long after the curtain falls.
Looking Back
When we look back at the beginning of 2013, we see a studio beginning to mature.
Students were finding confidence.
Artists were developing their voices.
Acting programs were emerging.
House concerts were thriving.
Creative services were expanding.
Partnerships throughout the community were deepening.
Most importantly, artists were finding opportunities to learn, create, perform, collaborate, and connect.
Looking back now, it is easy to see that many of the values that continue to define Hickory Arts today were already firmly in place:
Personalized instruction.
Creative collaboration.
Community engagement.
And the belief that 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. Additional entries from the anniversary tour can be found through the original Mailchimp archive:
