coffee in the coe

Twice a month since January 2017, Executive Director Clarissa Starnes organizes Coffee in the Coe, which is named for the gallery in which the group meets most often. Inspiration for the sessions came from the European coffee houses of the early 1900’s where people sat for hours discussing a broad range of ideas, including art. She thought, “When do people now get together to discuss art? And how can HMA facilitate doing this in a safe no-right-or-wrong environment?” Coffee in the Coe is structured as an answer to those questions.

Each meeting begins with a brief presentation to spark a free-ranging conversation. The very first Coffee in the Coe event was held during the Woman Made: Women Artists from the Hickory Museum of Art Collection exhibit curated by HMA Staff member Karin Borei. Seated at a round table surrounded by art, everyone felt comfortable to say what they loved about the works. It was a free exchange of ideas and thoughts that made the exhibition only richer.

Come out and join us for Coffee in the Coe. We meet every other Thursday at 10:30 AM and conclude by noon. Everyone is invited, whether you think you know anything about art or not! We will keep meeting throughout the summer too. And yes, there is of course coffee!

For more information on what's next, contact Clarissa Starnes at cstarnes@hickoryart.org.