7House reimagines how we see art

7House, an event-planning and marketing company, is changing the way people interact with and discover new artists. Through the creation of Artway, a series of events combining an upscale art show with entertainment, food, live music and vendors, 7House focuses on highlighting and giving opportunities to artists. So far, they have hosted Artway events in various cities across the United States, including Atlanta, Indianapolis and Dallas.  

Behind 7house are co-founders Grant Simms and Kenneth Walton, creative director Dymond Spells, and a village of artists, organizations, friends and family that come together to create and grow 7House and Artway. 

“Imagine using all five senses, going to experience an event with your closest friends in one of your best outfits, doing art, having a drink, having some food and dancing all in a safe space. That is what Artway is. That is what we pride ourselves in for 7house. We’re a safe space for minority individuals,” Spells said. 

7house started in 2014 when Simms and Walton were college roommates at Indiana State University. Both wanted to create a festival-like experience that provides a platform for artists to not only show their work but also for the community to relax and have a good time while viewing the art. 

They hosted their first Artway in Atlanta. Simms, Walton and other friends funded the event themselves and made it free to the public. They put in time and effort to make sure the first show set the groundwork for what would come next.  

“We just worked until we couldn’t see straight. For that last week leading up to the Atlanta show, we were all like, ‘Okay, let’s show them what we’re made of,’” Walton said. 

They held the second Artway in Brooklyn, New York. With mounting pressure to prove themselves in less familiar territory, the stakes were even higher. However, after the event’s success, 7House was no longer just an idea between college friends; it was a legitimate business. 

While planning for the New York event, they started to work more closely with Spells as the creative director, and Simms and Walton started to think and operate as CEOs. They began asking questions about how to expand on each show and how to showcase and support each artists’ growth.

“I think that is really what catapulted where we’re at now, because after we got New York done, we were like, ‘If we can make this work here, we can pretty much do this consecutively anywhere,’ and that’s what gave us the confidence to come back to our city and do it,” Simms said. 

Spells’ expertise as creative director only enhanced their vision. After hearing about 7House, Spells was excited to help them grow. 

“It’s just curiosity and asking yourself, ‘What [do] people like to do; where do they like to go; what do they like to drink; what do they like to listen to?’ You know, Grant and KJ will tell you all the time, I’m always playing devil’s advocate. I’m always asking who, what, when, where and why questions because I have to get myself into the mind of the consumer,” Spells said. 

7house continued to expand, bringing in more people to help and to host increasingly larger events in Indianapolis.

“7House is a true team effort; it wouldn’t work with one of us without countless other people. Everybody’s working together to get a common goal done. Everybody plays a part and a role, and that’s so important,” Simms said. 

While Artway is a place for entertainment, the main focus has always been providing a platform for artists. The artists they choose for their shows do not have to be extremely experienced or have a following, but they must have artwork ready for purchase and passion for their craft. 

“As long as you take your artwork seriously and it’s something you truly want to do, that’s all we’re really looking for. We don’t try to put anybody in a box or think of art from what we think is good or not good,” Simms said. 

After events, Simms, Walton and Spells debrief and discuss the positive feelings they gain from being able to produce successful sold-out shows. Still, the feedback they hear from artists is what keeps them going during difficult moments. 

“2023 has been very exciting because now we’re able to extend our hand in the arts, fashion, music and the entertainment realm to give back to the Indianapolis community. We are a stepping stone, opening the doors for artists to do whatever they want. You’d be surprised how many artists come to us and say, ‘This is my first art showcase; I’m nervous. This is my first time having my art displayed,’” Spells said. 

7house has plans to host Artway in more cities around the country and continue expanding its events in Indianapolis. 

This minority business highlight was composed by Garrett Simms at the Indianapolis Recorder, who can be reached at [317-762-7847] or via email at garretts@indyrecorder.com. If you would like your business highlighted in the Indianapolis Minority Business Magazine, click here