Local Artist to Hold Weekend Open Houses

The walls of Robert Hickman's studio on East Main Street are covered with paintings of Boykin Spaniels, wrens and coonhounds. 

“My passion is hunting and fishing, so I decided to do wildlife art and hunting dog art,” Hickman said. "It’s just a perfect match." 

Hickman is holding an open house from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and the following Saturday at his space in , an historic building that serves as studio space for several artists and features a small hall gallery.

After opening in the space about a month ago, he wants to give visitors a chance to tour his studio and see him at work. 

Hickman also spends time on Tuesdays and Fridays at his studio — usually accompanied by his dog. Eddie, a Boykin Spaniel, lies on the floor while Hickman works on his paintings — which often feature Boykin Spaniels, the state dog, or coonhounds.

But wildlife wasn't always the subject of Hickman's artwork. He started out painting NASCAR drivers, and got a contract with a gallery across from the Charlotte Motor Speedway. 

It wasn't an easy to make a living off of his artwork though, Hickman said. So he went back to work with Michelin and started painting scenes from his other hobbies: hunting and fishing. 

His work has been featured on the cover of magazines such as Striped Bass and American Cooner, and on the cover of catalogs such as Nite Lite Master. 

Hickman's original paintings and prints will be on sale at his open house events. Much of his work will be 10 percent off, he said. For more information about the event, visit his website or Facebook page.  

Want to go? 

Where: Studio 112, 112 E. Main St.

Dates: June 9 and 16

Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.