Clarissa Starnes' vision to expand the Hickory Museum of Art is the next step in building on the dream Paul Whitener had when he created the museum.

“We are a community of creatives in so many different ways,” Starnes, the museum's executive director, said. “I think because of that root in creativity, it makes sense that this would be the place that would rally around someone who had a dream that we should have an art museum, that Hickory should be an art center, that we should have a place where you can go and experience art work.”

The 81-year old museum will close on Sunday, Aug. 31, at 4 p.m. with a celebration event in the south lobby of the building. Starting Sept. 2, the museum will undergo renovations for about one year.

“When people hear the museum is closing, there’s a little a

See Full Page