After a prolonged closure since February 1, 2024, due to the 7th Avenue Streetscape project, Art on 7th is set to reopen on January 15, 2025. However, the gallery will not be the same as before. A lot has changed in Hendersonville and Western North Carolina over the past year, as well as with the co-owners Julie and Phil Wilmot, who acquired The Gallery In Flat Rock in June 2024.
Previously, Art on 7th focused on national and local contemporary art, but the gallery will now exclusively showcase artists from Western North Carolina. Additionally, it will feature works beyond contemporary art. Details about the new theme and the artists being represented will be kept under wraps until they are announced during the soft opening on January 15.
The Wilmots are proactively addressing the urgent needs of full-time professional artists who rely on art sales as their primary source of income. They are passionately committed to empowering artists and art-driven businesses.
“When we in the community choose to purchase art from local artists,” Phil Wilmot explains, “we contribute to healing individuals and businesses. This support ensures the long-term financial stability of our area.” He points out that the gallery is committed to being a supportive presence, showcasing various artistic styles and mediums, including both 2D and 3D art, to uplift and empower the community.
Art on 7th is Set to Reopen
Julie Wilmot emphasizes the importance of community support. “We aim to raise awareness about the urgent need to support local artists and businesses. By doing this, we aim to cultivate a culture of art collection that helps those who have faced significant challenges due to Helene. Our region is known as a premier arts destination and deserves the dedicated support of both locals and tourists.”
New talents at Art on 7th
Among the new talents at Art on 7th is wood artist Jim Brandon from Pisgah Forest. Brandon uses natural and industrial materials, like metal, concrete, and barbed wire, in his woodturning. According to the Wilmots, Brandon’s work symbolizes the resilience and creativity of the local art community while offering highly skilled craftsmanship and a unique perspective.
Hunter Jay, an acrylic painter from Asheville, North Carolina, captures the hidden beauty of nature in his vibrant artwork. His pieces combine bold colors with photorealistic details of botanical and ocean scenes, all while showcasing a strong sense of composition.
Brandon received the 2023 North Carolina Artist Support Grant and has several award-winning entries in recent TCARTS juried art shows. He sources most of his materials locally, reflecting the gallery’s new mission to celebrate and sustain local artistry. “Art on 7th’s focus on regional artists gives us a platform to thrive and reconnect with our community,” Brandon says.
Art on 7th’s reopening will feature a series of events starting January 15, including a “Meet & Greet” with the artists on January 18 from 3-5 pm, open to the public. To encourage sales and to support their artists, Art on 7th offers a 20% discount on all artwork until February 1, 2025, absorbing the discount to ensure artists receive full compensation.
The gallery’s updated website, arton7th.com, is set to launch on January 1. It will showcase its artists and provide an enhanced user experience.
Response of the 2024 flooding that devistated local artists: January 2025 Cover Story
Art on 7th
Soft Opening: January 15–18
Meet & Greet: Sat, January 18, 3-5 pm
Special Offer: 20% off all artwork through February 1, 2025 (artists receive full commission).
Hours: Wed-Sat 11-4 pm
330 7th Avenue E, Hendersonville, NC
(828) 209-8057 • arton7th.com