The Hickory Museum of Art Board of Trustees announced today that Clarissa Starnes has been appointed Executive Director. Clarissa has served as Associate Director for the last six years and worked in multiple other capacities for the four years prior to her most recent position at the Museum. 

"I am honored and thrilled to be selected as the new executive director", said Mrs. Starnes. “I am passionate about HMA and look forward to continuing to provide exhibits and programs that will engage the community and show how impactful art can be on their lives.” 

A search committee appointed by the Board worked with a recruiter to identify candidates across a wide geographic area. "There were a number of qualified candidates", said Hickory Museum of Art Board President Jeff Behmer. "After interviewing multiple candidates the opinion was unanimous that the best candidate was already at the Museum. We are very pleased to announce Clarissa as the next leader of HMA."  

Hickory Museum of Art was founded in 1944 to collect, care for, and exhibit American art. Today, more than 75 years later, the Museum has evolved into an arts center featuring an extensive permanent collection of art objects across all mediums as well as education classes for all ages. Hickory Museum of Art is located on the SALT Block, 243 3rd Avenue NE, Hickory. Admission is free. For more information about museum exhibitions, art classes, field trips, and events, visit www.HickoryArt.org or call the Museum at 828-327-8576, ext 201.  Business sponsorship information is also available at the same telephone number.