When I was a child, my parents took me on trips around Europe, Asia, and across North America, where my favorite destinations were always the museums — I thoroughly enjoyed all types, but I gravitated toward the art (it was perhaps kismet that my parents met in an art history class in 1968 at UNC Chapel Hill). When I myself went to college at UNC Greensboro, it was a very natural decision for me to get my bachelor’s degree in art history and museum studies. I then pursued a master’s degree in art history at Temple University, but left after a year to gain more work experience.
After beginning work part-time as Member Coordinator at Hickory Museum of Art in October 2018, I became the full-time Membership Manager in November 2018. It is an incredibly dynamic environment here at HMA — we have so much going on all of the time and that is part of why I love it here. In addition to processing memberships, I also handle specific membership drives such as renewals and yearly lapsed memberships. During my time here, another critical part of my position has been coordinating member events. So far I have helped plan the “Mickey & Paul” Valentine’s Day night, the “Footsteps of Elliot Daingerfield Blowing Rock Trip,” and the upcoming “Happy Little Sunday” Bob Ross event on June 9th from 2-6 PM.
This post is # 35 of the 75 stories to celebrate HMA's 75 years.
Post written by Molly Blanchard, HMA Membership Manager