Janet B. Sessoms's 'Colorful Reflections' Marks Burgwin-Wright House's 100th Gallery Show

There's something quietly extraordinary about an exhibition marking a venue's 100th gallery show — and it's happening right here in downtown Wilmington, inside one of the city's most storied buildings. Janet B. Sessoms's "Colorful Reflections" isn't just a milestone for the Burgwin-Wright House; it's a testament to the staying power of Wilmington's local arts scene and the cultural institutions that nurture it.

Event Summary

Local artist Janet B. Sessoms presents "Colorful Reflections," a collection of original oil paintings rendered in her signature painterly realism style, on display now through June 20, 2026, at the Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens. The exhibition marks a remarkable milestone — the Burgwin-Wright House gallery's 100th art show — and it's paired with a free opening reception during Wilmington's beloved Fourth Friday Gallery Nights. With original artworks available for purchase and free admission throughout the run, this is an accessible celebration of homegrown artistic achievement in one of downtown's most atmospheric settings.

Fast Facts

• Exhibition Dates: Now through June 20, 2026
• Gallery Hours: Monday–Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM
• Opening Reception: Friday, March 27, 2026, 6–9 PM (during Fourth Friday Gallery Nights)
• Location: Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens, 224 Market Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
• Admission: Free
• Organizer: Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens
• Key Highlight: The exhibition is the 100th art show hosted by the Burgwin-Wright House gallery
• Contact: 910-762-0570 or info@burgwinwrighthouse.com

What to Expect

Visitors will find a curated display of Sessoms's original oil paintings, each reflecting her deep connection to color and light through a painterly realism approach. Her work invites viewers to slow down and notice the beauty in everyday subjects — an experience that feels especially fitting inside a Colonial-era home filled with its own layers of history and character.

All artworks on display are available for purchase, making this a chance to invest directly in a local artist's work. A percentage of proceeds from artwork sales benefits the Burgwin-Wright House. Whether you're a longtime collector or someone looking for a meaningful piece to hang on your wall, buying from a show like this keeps dollars circulating within Wilmington's creative economy.

The opening reception on March 27 rolls into the larger Fourth Friday Gallery Nights circuit, meaning you can start your evening at the Burgwin-Wright House and continue the gallery walk through downtown. It's one of the best ways to experience Wilmington's arts community in a single night — and this particular stop carries more weight than most.

Why It's Worth Your Time

This milestone belongs to the Burgwin-Wright House itself. As the venue's 100th art show, the exhibition underscores the historic site's quiet but consistent role as a gallery space and cultural anchor on Market Street. The Burgwin-Wright House hosts monthly art shows featuring local artists in conjunction with Fourth Friday Gallery Nights, and reaching the century mark is a testament to the venue's sustained commitment to the local arts community.

Sessoms, a retired full-time artist who has been painting for over 13 years, brings her accomplished eye to this landmark occasion. Her longevity and dedication mirror the resilience of the local arts ecosystem that supports working creatives.

It's also a reminder that Wilmington's arts infrastructure isn't limited to purpose-built galleries — it lives in historic homes, community centers, and unexpected spaces that give local art a distinctive backdrop. The Burgwin-Wright House, built in 1770 on the foundations of the town's first city jail, is the only Colonial-era structure in Wilmington open to the public, making it one of downtown's most distinctive gallery settings.

The tie-in with Fourth Friday only amplifies the impact. Gallery Nights draw foot traffic downtown, support small businesses along the route, and introduce new audiences to venues they might not otherwise visit. For local business owners near Market Street, an event like this is a rising tide.

Practical Details

The Burgwin-Wright House and Gardens is located at 224 Market Street in the heart of downtown Wilmington, easily accessible on foot if you're already exploring the area. Note that spaces fill quickly during Fourth Friday events — arriving early or using a rideshare is a smart move.

The gallery is open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM–4 PM, giving you plenty of weekday and weekend windows to visit at your own pace outside of the reception. Admission is free for the duration of the exhibition.

For more information about the artist, visit www.janetbsessoms.com. Details about the venue and its programming can be found at www.burgwinwrighthouse.org, or you can call 910-762-0570 with questions.