The Hickory Museum of Art (HMA) is a prominent cultural institution in Hickory, North Carolina, dedicated to collecting, preserving, exhibiting, and interpreting historic and contemporary American art of the highest quality. Founded in 1944, it is North Carolina's second-oldest art museum. HMA serves as an educational and cultural resource for the community and the region, aiming to bring people together and inspire creativity through the power of art. The museum's collection includes approximately 1,500 art objects, with major holdings in Hudson River School Paintings, Southern Contemporary Folk Art, North Carolina Artists, American Art Pottery, Studio Art Glass, and High-Speed Photography. HMA offers diverse exhibitions, engaging programs, art classes for all ages, and community events, with a commitment to accessibility and inclusivity. It has earned national accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums, signifying its adherence to high standards. The museum also actively promotes the Unifour region as a center of innovative creativity and inclusive community through visual arts, education, and collaboration.