You’re So 2015
A Look Back at Hickory Arts: 2015
As we continue our look back through the history of Hickory Arts, we arrive at 2015—a year of artistic growth, community collaboration, original work, and reflection.
During our tenth-anniversary celebration, we revisited many of the people, projects, performances, and partnerships that helped shape the studio. Looking back on 2015 reminds us not only of what we accomplished, but also of the mentors, artists, students, and organizations that helped define who we are.
Supporting Artists and Developing Talent
From the beginning, Hickory Arts has been committed to helping artists grow through personalized instruction, mentorship, and real-world opportunities.
Throughout 2015, students continued pursuing goals in voice, acting, songwriting, guitar, artist development, audition preparation, and performance. Among them were artists such as Tiffany Faucette, Savannah Spencer, Meredith Mull, Sydney Cline, Shannon Underwood, and many others whose journeys became part of the Hickory Arts story.
Whether preparing for NCTC and SETC auditions, performing in community productions, writing original music, or developing professional skills through Artist Development, students continued demonstrating the value of individualized arts education and long-term mentorship.
Original Theatre and the Premiere of Junk
One of the most significant milestones of 2015 was the premiere of Junk, an original musical by Molly Bass and Jeff Hartman.
After three years of development, the production premiered at Hickory Community Theatre's newly renovated Firemen's Kitchen. The project represented years of writing, collaboration, rehearsal, and creative experimentation.
Later that spring, the cast entered the studio to record the Original Cast Recording, documenting the music and preserving the work for future audiences. Released later that year on CD and digital platforms, the recording became another example of Hickory Arts' commitment to supporting original creative work from concept to completion.
House Concerts and Live Performance
The Hickory Arts House Concert Series continued to grow throughout 2015, providing opportunities for artists to connect directly with audiences in an intimate and supportive environment.
Performers included Meredith Mull, Sydney Cline, Corey Raquel Lovelace, Jimmy Kurts, Madison Phelps, and many others.
In addition to concerts, several visiting artists participated in master classes and educational events, giving students valuable opportunities to learn from experienced performers and educators.
The House Concert Series remains one of the most distinctive parts of Hickory Arts and reflects our belief that meaningful artistic experiences often happen in smaller, more personal settings.
Community Theatre and Regional Arts Partnerships
Collaboration with local arts organizations remained an important part of the studio's mission throughout 2015.
Hickory Arts supported productions and promotional campaigns for Hickory Community Theatre, Lenoir-Rhyne University, The Green Room Community Theatre, and numerous other organizations throughout the region.
Students and instructors continued participating in productions, fundraising events, educational programs, and performances that strengthened the local arts community while creating opportunities for artistic growth.
Projects ranged from promotional photography and video production to performance coaching, publicity campaigns, and artistic consultation.
Supporting Community Organizations
Our sponsorship of vocal coaching, recording, and editing sessions for finalists in Hickory Rotary Club's Rotarian Idol fundraising competition continued throughout 2015.
The partnership reflected Hickory Arts' belief that the arts can play a meaningful role in strengthening community organizations while helping artists gain valuable performance experience.
That same commitment extended to projects with schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations throughout the year.
Photography, Video Production & Creative Services
Throughout 2015, Hickory Arts and Carol Anne Hartman Photography continued providing photography, promotional media, video production, and creative services for businesses, arts organizations, performers, schools, and community groups.
Projects included promotional campaigns for university theatre programs, documentation of ballet productions, fundraising events, theatrical productions, and numerous creative collaborations throughout the region.
The work reflected the studio's growing role as a creative resource for both artists and organizations.
Film Scoring and Recording Projects
2015 also included continued work in recording, production, and film scoring.
Among the projects was score work for filmmaker Garrick Lane's documentary This Is Home, further expanding Hickory Arts' involvement in film and media production.
From original cast recordings and artist development projects to film scores and commercial work, recording and production remained an important part of the studio's creative identity.
Everything Artist Night
One of the most memorable events of the year was Everything Artist Night.
The event brought together dozens of Hickory Arts artists to share their talents through music, acting, songwriting, performance, and creative collaboration.
The evening embodied the philosophy behind Artist Development and the idea of the "Everything Artist"—individuals who create, perform, write, collaborate, and pursue multiple creative disciplines.
That philosophy continues to influence much of what we do today.
Celebrating Five Years
May 2015 marked the fifth anniversary of Hickory Arts.
Jeff and Carol Anne Hartman founded the studio in an effort to challenge the impersonal, quantity-over-quality culture often found in arts education and production environments. Their goal was simple: create a place where artists could receive personalized instruction, meaningful mentorship, and opportunities for creative growth.
Five years in, that mission remained unchanged.
A Year of Loss, Reflection, and Legacy
While 2015 brought many successes, it was also a year marked by loss.
The arts community said goodbye to several influential artists, educators, and mentors, including Steve Bean, James Best, Charles Jeffers, Aaron Lewis, and Tim Rapp.
Many organizations paused to honor their contributions and reflect on the impact they had on students, artists, audiences, and the broader community.
Looking back, 2015 became a year that reinforced an important lesson:
Legacy is not measured by buildings, titles, or accomplishments.
It is measured by the people we influence, the relationships we build, and the stories that continue long after we are gone.
As Shannon L. Alder wrote:
“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.”
That idea remains central to the mission of Hickory Arts today.
Continue the Hickory Arts Anniversary Tour
This article is part of the Hickory Arts anniversary retrospective series documenting the people, projects, and partnerships that helped shape the studio and the regional arts community.
Additional entries from the original anniversary tour can be found through the Mailchimp archive:
