A New Chapter in the RAD
Located on Depot Street in Asheville’s vibrant River Arts District, this classic, historic building is entering a beautiful new chapter as a renovated art gallery and working artist studios.
Formerly the gallery and studio of well-loved artist and RAD pioneer Wendy Whitson, the space now carries forward its creative spirit under the ownership of Joye King Steele, who has thoughtfully reimagined the space while honoring its history and character.
NorthLight continues to be home to working artists whose art is deeply inspired by light, nature, landscapes, and the ever-changing beauty of the natural world. Their art reflects a shared appreciation for the quiet moments found outdoors—the shifting light across a mountain, the texture of a leaf, the atmosphere of a landscape, and the simple wonder of being surrounded by nature.
Inside NorthLight
Our History
From turn-of-the-century to today
Our building along the railroad tracks on Depot Street in Asheville's River Arts District holds a lot of history. Once an industrial area, the RAD now is a creative hub for the city and region. Back at the turn of the 20th century, 357 Depot started as a tannery and later was used for light industrial enterprises.
NorthLight survived the devastating flood of 1916 and, more than a century later, it withstood the historic Hurricane Helene. We are lovingly preserving the vintage character of our building for future generations.