That's all, folks!
A Look Back at Hickory Arts: 2018–2019
As Hickory Arts celebrated its tenth anniversary, we took time to reflect on the people, projects, performances, and partnerships that helped shape our studio and the broader arts community. Looking back on 2018 and 2019 offers a snapshot of what Hickory Arts has always been about: developing artists, supporting organizations, creating opportunities, and building community through the arts.
When we think of legacy, we often return to a quote from Shannon L. Alder:
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
Legacy is not brick and mortar. It is how we choose to live, create, and invest in others.
Audio, Film & Media Projects
We began 2018 with several audio projects for film and television while continuing to expand our work in recording, media production, and artist development. We also experimented with podcasting alongside Artist Development student Madison Phelps, exploring generational differences, creativity, and the culture surrounding modern media.
Throughout the year, Hickory Arts continued its ongoing relationship with Catawba Medical Foundation, producing donor appreciation and community-focused video projects. These collaborations reflected our commitment to using creative media in service of local organizations and meaningful causes.
Photography & Creative Services
Carol Anne Hartman Photography documented countless artists, families, performers, and professionals throughout 2018. Headshots, portraits, promotional photography, and creative collaborations remained an important part of the creative services offered through Hickory Arts and our affiliated projects.
Supporting Artists & Community Organizations
Our sponsorship of vocal coaching, recording, and editing services for finalists in Hickory Rotary Club's Rotarian Idol fundraising competition continued through 2018 and 2019. These partnerships allowed us to support developing performers while contributing to organizations working to strengthen our community.
Artist Development & Recording Projects
The summer of 2018 found Hickory Arts producing All Good Things, a Synth-Pop and Psych-Rock EP by The Versailles Affair. The project reflected the studio's ongoing commitment to artist development, recording, production, and helping artists bring original work to life.
Helping artists write, record, release, and promote original music remains one of the defining aspects of our Artist Development program.
Student Achievements
Throughout 2018, many Hickory Arts students participated in performances, school programs, competitions, and community events. Voice students performed at Hickory Christian Academy, while numerous music students continued to grow through lessons, auditions, and public performances.
One particularly memorable moment came when Grammy-nominated artists Jake and Isaac Moore of the Moore Brothers Band were interviewed for UNC-TV's Homegrown Music Series. Having worked with both artists as students and collaborators, it was rewarding to watch their continued success and contributions to the regional music community.
Theatre & Creative Collaboration
In October 2018, Hickory Arts helped celebrate playwright Molly Bass and her body of work through her variety show, Yes, This Is My Real Voice.
The following year brought even more opportunities for collaboration across the performing arts community. Hickory Arts students participated in the Northwest North Carolina Middle School All-District Band Clinic, while our House Concert Series continued to connect local audiences with regional and touring artists.
Voice student Madeline Wright delivered a memorable performance of She Used to Be Mine from Waitress, demonstrating the type of artistic growth and confidence we strive to cultivate through private instruction and coaching.
The Hickory Arts House Concert Series
The House Concert Series continued to grow throughout 2019 with performances by artists including Stone's Throw, Mckenna Haislip, Stephanie Lindsay, Judy Pruitt, Savannah Spencer, and many others.
The series has always been about more than concerts. It creates opportunities for artists and audiences to connect in an intimate setting while strengthening the creative community throughout Hickory and the surrounding region.
Supporting Regional Theatre
One of the largest collaborative efforts of 2019 involved The Green Room Community Theatre's production of Bright Star. From pre-production through strike, Hickory Arts devoted significant resources to supporting the production.
The project became a celebration of community theatre, artistic collaboration, and the longstanding relationship between Hickory Arts and many of the region's theatre organizations.
A Creative Home Since 2010
Jeff and Carol Anne Hartman helped found Down to Hear Studios in 2010 alongside producers David and Michael French to create a more personalized alternative to the quantity-over-quality culture often found in arts education and production environments.
Following its relocation near Union Square in 2011, the studio became Hickory Arts.
Since then, Hickory Arts has served as a crossroads for artists, theatres, educators, organizations, and creative professionals throughout the region. Whether through music lessons, acting lessons, artist development, recording, photography, video production, creative services, or live performance opportunities, our mission remains the same: helping artists create, grow, and share their work with the world.
Home is where the art is.
Continue the Hickory Arts 10th Anniversary Tour
For readers interested in exploring more of the studio's history, the complete anniversary series remains available through the original Mailchimp archive:
