Downtown Hickory Mural Project

September 2006

About the Mural

Almost three years ago, the City of Hickory Public Art Commission began discussing murals and exploring possibilities to create a mural in Downtown Hickory. After months of research and discussion with the community and local artists, a search for a muralist as well as what to include in the historic mural began. It took almost 1 1/2 years to make decisions on what should be depicted on the mural, as well as develop a fundraising plan. The 35 by 25 foot mural will depict the City of Hickory’s historic beginnings. Included on the mural is the Piedmont Wagon, the Southern Railroad, Hickory Tavern, the Huffry Hotel, 1918 Union Square, and Hickory Manufacturing Co. In addition to painting historic scenes of early industries on the mural, four pioneers who helped build Hickory’s strong economic and community spirited foundation are included. The faces on the mural are Alex A. Shuford, J. Alfred Moretz, Lester Clark Gifford and Edmund Thomas Moore, Sr.




About the Artist

Oregon artist Roger Cooke arrived in Hickory August 29, and plans to be in town until the end of September. Cooke has years of artistic experience in painting murals, both inside and outside. Cooke has painted murals all over the country from California to Florida to Oklahoma.

“Painting murals all over the country gives me a chance to see a new part of our beautiful country, and to meet a whole new set of friends. When I paint on location, there tends to be a lot of interaction and conversation with local people who express interest in the mural process,” said Cooke.
Cooke has enjoyed his stay thus far and said everyone is extremely friendly. Since his arrival there has been a lot of activity surrounding the mural project and folks are coming by each day to see the progress.

Thank You Private Contributors
Anonymous Donor
The Millholland Family
The Moretz Family
The Shuford Family