Hickory – Hickory Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, The Art of Adventure: Photographs and Artwork from the World Travels of Jeff Cline, offers a unique look at world cultures to museum guests. A dynamic individual with a passion for art, Jeff has traveled to 121 countries and territories. This exhibition is the first to showcase his keen eye behind the lens, which he honed for many years as a member of the Catawba Valley Camera Club, as well as the objects, artifacts, and art he’s collected through a lifetime of travel. The audience has the opportunity to journey to far-reaching and hard to access places such as Chernobyl and Papua New Guinea as well as U.S. State Department travel-banned countries North Korea and Mali.

The exhibition is designed as an immersive, interactive experience combining photographs, artifacts, and hands-on activities. Guests of all ages can test their geography knowledge with the gallery game Where in the World is Jeff Cline? Complimentary souvenir exhibition passports guide children through the exhibition with fun facts and activities designed to transport them to other lands; no immunizations required!

“Our team knew Jeff as a successful businessman”, HMA Executive Director Jon Carfagno recalls. “When we visited his offices and saw his images on the walls, we were blown away. Jeff’s exhibition and story represent the best of our mission statement: To Bring People Together and Inspire Creativity through the Power of Art. His breathtaking work allows learners of all ages to explore world cultures, while his inspiring pursuit of his passion for photography underscores the idea that creativity lives within each of us.”

A series of events will surround and enhance the exhibit experience. Opening weekend features An Evening with Jeff Cline on Saturday, August 24 from 6-8 PM. The reception and exhibition viewing begins at 6 PM. At 7 PM, we’ll walk over to the Drendel Auditorium (in the same building as the Museum). The talk will kick off with a special performance featuring globally diverse costumes and dance by Hickory Ballet and Performing Arts. Attendees will then be captivated by Jeff’s travel tales, including some sticky situations he’s encountered on his adventures over the years. HMA Executive Director Jon Carfagno will conduct the interview. A Q&A session with the audience will close the evening. Tickets are $10 for non-members and $5 for members and may be purchased at www.hickoryart.org or in the museum’s business office on the second floor.

In conjunction with HMA’s Seventh Annual Autolawn Euro Car Show on Saturday, September 7, guests are invited to participate in guided tours of exhibitions The Art of Adventure and How Creativity Happens with teamHMA members Jon Carfagno, Clarissa Starnes, and Kristina Anthony. Normally these tours are reserved for members only, but in honor of Autolawn, they are open to the public at either 10:30 AM and 11:30 AM.

Sample a variety of pours from around the globe during an intimate member’s wine-tasting event, Wines from Around the World on Thursday, October 17 from 6-8 PM. You’ll hear interesting and provocative stories jot shared at the An Evening with Jeff Cline event. Tickets are $35 and may be purchased at www.hickoryart.org or in the museum’s business office on the second floor. Reservations are required. Contact Molly Blanchard at 828.327.8576, extension 201 for more information.

The exhibition events wrap up with Coffee in the Coe with Jeff Cline on Thursday, December 12 from 10:30-11:30 AM. Enjoy coffee and conversation with Jeff as he shares the experience of his exotic travels through the years. Admission is $5 for non-members and free for members.

The exhibition is sponsored by BB&T, City of Hickory, Kontane Logistics, McGriff Insurance Services, Vesco Toyotalift, Friends of Jeff Cline, United Arts Council of Catawba County with funding from the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts, and annual sponsor Shurtape Technologies.
Photo taken in Greenland