Barry the Hickory Bear Moves to a New Job Site: From Convention Center Expansion to Hickory Museum of Art Renovation
HICKORY, N.C. – After successfully helping oversee the construction and expansion of the Hickory Metro Convention Center, Barry the Hickory Bear is packing up his hard hat and moving to his next job site: the Hickory Museum of Art.
Barry was first introduced by Visit Hickory and the Hickory Metro Convention Center team as the friendly “foreman” of the convention center renovation and expansion. Through social media updates, the Visit Hickory website, and community engagement, Barry helped share the story of the facility upgrades with a lighthearted but informative touch.
With the convention center project complete, Barry is continuing his work in the community. On Sunday, August 31, the Hickory Museum of Art held a special “Closing of the Gate” celebration at 4 p.m. to officially mark the start of the museum’s major renovation. At the event, Mayor Hank Guess joined staff and community members in welcoming Barry to his new role as the museum’s honorary construction overseer.
“We’re thrilled to have Barry join the HMA team,” said Executive Director Clarissa Starnes. “His presence makes this important milestone more engaging for the community, and he represents the spirit of teamwork and creativity that drives our museum forward.”
“This project will elevate Hickory’s cultural offerings and create new opportunities for visitors and residents alike,” said Visit Hickory’s CEO, Mandy Hildebrand. “Barry has been a great partner in telling the convention centers’ story, and we’re excited to see him take HMA to the next level.”
Mayor Hank Guess added, “Barry has already proven he’s up to the task of helping big projects succeed in Hickory. Now, as the museum begins its transformation, Barry will once again help us celebrate progress, inspire excitement, and keep the community connected to what’s happening.”
The museum’s renovation project is scheduled to last approximately 12 months. Once complete, HMA will gain additional space to support larger traveling exhibits, as well as an upgraded storage system and improved loading area to safely accommodate and uncrate incoming artwork and exhibitions.
Barry will continue to share behind-the-scenes updates throughout the renovation, ensuring the community is part of the journey every step of the way. For more information and project updates, visit https://www.hickoryart.org/uncratethefuture.
Media Contact:
Debbie Reed, Communications & Design Manager, Hickory Museum of Art, dreed@hickoryart.org, (828) 327-8576, Ext. 208
Sarah Jones, Vice President of Sales, Marketing & Tourism Development, Visit Hickory, Sarah@visithickorync.com, (828) 322-1335
