ART LIVES HERE

By Krista Bocko
Current in Noblesville
A sign prominently placed in front of the restored Italianate home at the corner of 10th and Cherry Streets evokes a sense of whimsy and curiosity as to what this new artists’ space is all about. It’s called simply The Arthouse, and it’s where “art lives.”
When William and Kandi Jamieson moved here from Boise, Idaho last fall they found this once-splendid structure in a dilapidated state, with not even a functioning kitchen. But the couple also recognized its potential. Creative- types are like that, somehow always finding a way to bring something like a broken-down home with hidden charm back to life with love and hard work.
Walking into the Arthouse one sees a light and airy studio space, with refinished hardwood floors and tall ceilings and light colors on the walls as sunlight pours in through the large windows.
“We wanted a house in a safe neighborhood that was large enough to ‘suite’ a home, studio and classroom,” said Kandi, the mother of two children, Elizabeth, 5, and William, 1 1/2 “We really love the character in older homes.
“We hope to refinish the front room for classroom space, and the garage loft for a studio space. We just want to have a great place where anybody can come and make art, like real un- abashed, uninhibited expression.”
Both Jamiesons are art graduates from Boise State, William in ceramics and Kandi in paint- ing and drawing. William, originally from Noblesville, still has a lot of family here, one of the reasons for their relocation.
The couple also liked the region’s central proximity to Chicago, Detroit, Louisville, Cincinnati and Columbus, Ohio, all major metropolitan areas with plenty of “exhibition opportunities.”
They were impressed with Hamilton County’s growth, and wanted to be a part of that develop- ment by educating others about art.
“Rather than teaching technique or emphasiz- ing a particular style, we dial in and focus on fundamentals of art, giving our students the tools to be confident, creative artists,” explained Kandi.
The Jamiesons offer a wide range of classes including mixed media, clay, drawing and painting for all levels and ages. They promote reusing and recycling and desire to add an earth art class, based on artist and naturalist Andy Goldsworthy.
It’s obvious that William and Kandi are pas- sionate about what they do.
“I love to see the students get excited about their creation,” said Kandi. “It’s thrilling for them and me to see this piece of art formed from their hands. It’s something they can call their own.”
Adds William, who works extensively with adult students, “I like re-training them to ‘see.’ We practice drawing what we really see, rather than what we think we see. I enjoy that epiph- any moment when the light bulb clicks above their head and they say, ‘Oh, now I see!’ ”
The Jamiesons are excited about what they’ve seen of the art scene here, and have visions of bringing some of their ideas to life with the intent of making more art available and more often.
“We love the Art Fair on the Square and the art display board at the library” Kandi men- tions, “but I would love to see some public art, maybe a mural or two downtown. I’m interested in teaching a painting class with the opportuni- ty to participate in painting a mural downtown, which is still in the works.
“And we would really like to see alternative or extended dates on community arts celebrations though, not just on Friday night or Saturday.”