What happens to a dream deferred by ongoing road construction? For Julie and Phil Wilmot, owners of Art on 7th in Hendersonville, that dream neither dries up like a raisin in the sun nor sags like a heavy load. But it does evolve.
In 2021, the couple opened Art on 7th as a contemporary art gallery. However, last February, they had no choice but to temporarily shutter the venue while the city overhauled pedestrian, water, sewer, and stormwater infrastructure in the 7th Avenue Historic District. Julie and Phil had expected to reopen in the fall, but then Hurricane Helene thundered into frame.
With hopes of supporting artists displaced by the storm, Julie and Phil spent the remaining months of 2025 rebranding the gallery to exclusively represent Western North Carolina makers. Then, last month, the wife-and-husband team officially reopened the space to the public.
“Knowing we are a part of the Hurricane Helene recovery efforts directed at the artist community is both humbling and energizing,” says Julie. “[We’re] humbled to have the opportunity to represent 65-plus area artists and energized by their determination, optimism, and appreciation.”
Art on 7th Gallery, 330 7th Ave. East, Hendersonville. For more information, call 828-595-9232 or visit arton7th.com. On Friday, February 21, at 4:30pm, Art on 7th will offer live music and complimentary wine. From 6-8pm, the party will move across the street to Claywood (317 7th Ave. East, Hendersonville, claywoodnc.com) for cuisine and cocktails.