“HMA is a crown jewel when it comes to institutions of art and culture in our community. Shurtape’s recent investment is not only representative of our belief in the capacity of visual art to educate, enrich and inspire, but also a vote of confidence in the HMA team’s ability to execute upon its visionary strategic plan.”
Hickory Museum of Art kicks off its Annual Fund campaign Let’s Make it Happen Together, with the announcement of a major gift from Shurtape Technologies. The campaign, which launched October 15th, builds upon the recent successes of the Museum and raises its yearly fundraising goal to $235,000. HMA’s ambitious Annual Fund target is made a little more attainable by way of Shurtape’s commitment to contribute $150, 000 split over the next 3 years. Shurtape Technologies, LLC, an industry-leading manufacturer and marketer of pressure-sensitive tapes, has generously increased its investment in the Museum, which will support progress towards key action items outlined in the museum’s recently adopted FY 2021-25 strategic plan.
About Shurtape’s latest financial commitment to HMA, Vice Chairman Stephen Shuford said, “HMA is a crown jewel when it comes to institutions of art and culture in our community. Shurtape’s recent investment is not only representative of our belief in the capacity of visual art to educate, enrich and inspire, but also a vote of confidence in the HMA team’s ability to execute upon its visionary strategic plan.”
Hickory Museum of Art sparks the pursuit of inspiration, imagination, and creativity in our community. The new FY 2021-25 strategic plan maps key initiatives to expand the Museum’s audience, lays the groundwork for addressing Collection Management opportunities including the expansion of storage, and grows the Museum’s fundraising for a fifth consecutive year. Attainment of these objectives will sustain the momentum that has been generated by way of innovative programs and exhibitions, while fueling HMA’s ability to foster important conversations, to continue being a catalyst for positive change, and to keep shaping our future, today and every day.
At the $50,000 Annual Whitener Level, Shurtape will receive logo recognition at HMA’s check-in, on the Museum website, phone message and all social media channels. They will be recognized as a Summer Camp Sponsor and have logo recognition in all Museum major galleries, the Coe, Shuford and Whitener. Shurtape will be granted a free space rental as well as a private tour of the Museum led by Executive Director, Jon Carfagno.
“Shurtape Technologies has been a resource to HMA for so many years. We are grateful not only for their financial support, but also how readily their leadership shares insights and great ideas from the perspective of a successful business,” Carfagno said. “Their generous sponsorship over the next three years will position North Carolina’s second oldest art museum to achieve even more by way of our mission’s focus on impacting our region.
This year promises some of the strongest and most inclusive exhibitions and programs at HMA, emphasizing the museum’s focus on teaching about empathy and promoting social connectedness. Currently, the Museum’s Folk Art Takeover has filled its galleries with new permanent collection pieces, as well a feature exhibition, The Improvisational Quilts of Susana Allen Hunter, on loan from The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Michigan. In February 2022, HMA will debut Elephant and Piggie in WE ARE ART (a Mo Willems Exhibition). The galleries will bring to life acclaimed children’s book illustrator’s creative process, while underscoring how this beloved series teaches about healthy relationships. HMA will also present 7 Billion Ones, A Randy Bacon Retrospective, which pairs breathtaking fine art photographic portraits of people of various backgrounds, ages, and genders, alongside their personal narratives.
Art © Mo Willems, ELEPHANT & PIGGIE is a trademark of The Mo Willems Studio, Inc
On view from May 28 through September 18, 2022
Creativity of any kind is what makes us human. It is what brings us together, drives change, and catalyzes the future of our community. There’s an “it” that matters to everyone. Support for the 2021-2022 Annual Fund campaign helps make “it” happen together with Hickory Museum of Art. Already, many businesses, members, and friends of HMA have stepped forward to build a base of over 50% of this year’s $235,000 Annual Fund Goal. HMA hopes you will join in this generosity by making a contribution to help sustain all that is happening at North Carolina’s second oldest art museum. Donations received by Fiscal Year End (June 2022) will be reflected on the response cards that will line HMA’s entrance gallery. Annual Fund progress will also be tracked on a banner outside of the building, so the world will know how this community loves HMA!
