The Transylvania Times -

It's Summertime in Brevard, and locals and visitors blend on the sidewalks as they enjoy the festive atmosphere created by Brevard's many colorful window displays. The windows of Number 7 Arts, Transylvania County's longest continually-operating art gallery, present a unique array of splendid creations.

Every fourth Friday, Number 7 stays open late from 5 to 8 p.m. to meet and serve refreshments to its visitors during the monthly Gallery Walk celebration.

Freddie Hart

The featured artists this month at Number 7 Arts Gallery are: Sue Grier, a potter; Freddie Hart, a copper enamellist; and Carol Clay, an acrylic artist. Grier has taught ceramics at Clemson University and occasionally teaches workshops. She is a juried member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild. Sue works full-time in her studio creating one-of-a-kind pieces, teapots, limited series, and her well-known copper-handled buckets. Hart began enameling years ago as an apprentice to Maggie Masters who later became director of John C. Campbell Folk School in Brasstown, N.C.

"Enameling is an ancient art form and after many years I still consider myself a novice," she said. "It is always thrilling to take a piece from the kiln and watch the colors emerge as it cools." Her creations range from colorful jewelry to amazing one-of-a-kind switch plates.

After exiting her career in advertising, marketing and graphic design, Clay has begun to explore the joys and challenges of painting with acrylic. "As a painter I feel blessed to live in an area where I never have to go far to find inspiration," she said.

The public is invited to drop by the gallery at 2 W. Main St. on July 26.