Art Smart: The Power of Ten

Brent Fleury

Hendersonville's WICKWIRE Gallery is ten years old.

When you compare that to the lifespan of many art galleries, that's ancient. Shirley Palmer-Hill, owner, attributes their success to good fortune, location, a team effort with the community, and customer loyalty.

WICKWIRE had its 10th birthday party on July 25 and will continue to celebrate throughout the summer and fall. WICKWIRE has clearly flourished in downtown Hendersonville and has two finely appointed storefronts. Combined, the two settings feature 3,700 square feet of display space —making it one of the largest galleries in Western North Carolina.

While the location has been lucky, Palmer-Hill believes that staying actively involved in the community has been the primary reason for their longevity. "I made the decision early on to get and stay involved with the community," says Palmer-Hill, who began working with WICKWIRE about six months after the 1998 opening. Her husband Dave and sister Linda Campanella share her enthusiasm and are familiar faces at both locations.

Palmer-Hill has been a participating member of the Chamber of Commerce, Arts Council of Henderson County and Downtown Hendersonville Inc, and funds an annual local scholarship for the best and brightest art students in the Hendersonville area.

She is also a charter member of the newly founded Gallery Guild of Henderson County. Palmer-Hill has high regard for the group and hopes that the guild will continue to grow.

"By supporting each other, we can strengthen all the galleries in the area," she says. "I have received great feedback, so I think it has great potential."

The potential for the next ten years at WICKWIRE looks rosy. Western North Carolina's reputation for being home to some of the best and most creative artists in the country continues to grow.

"The interest in arts and crafts in this area has never been higher. We have artworks and crafts from many local artists, but we also have works from artists from all over the country," Palmer-Hill says. "I believe the quality and diversity of the art we have appeals to everyone who visits the gallery."