Art not only adds color, texture, and visual appeal to a space, but is also thought to have a positive psychological impact. Whatever their reasons, the owners of these previously featured homes have incorporated a wealth of artwork into their abodes.
Let’s take a look back at some of our favorite artistic houses:
The original owner of Brook Smith’s mid-century modern home in Silver Hills was a man named Robert Kelso. Kelso built the home in 1957 after asking famed architect John Johansen – whose works helped shape the principles of modern design – to design the property. The home passed through several hands until it was purchased by Louisville artist Ed Garber in 2012. Garber restored the space to his modern design before selling the home to Smith in 2016.
Smith named the property “INhouse” and opened its doors to host retreats by regional arts organizations as well as overnight stays by visiting lecturers and speakers.
The house is filled with Smith’s art collection, which is international in scope and includes significant works by Kentucky artists.
One work is a 60″ x 40″ ChromaLuxe aluminum print in the hallway titled “Model Minority” by Cambodian-American artist Vinhay Keo. Keo studied at the Kentucky College of Art + Design before earning his MFA from the California Institute of the Arts, one of the most prestigious art schools in the United States.
Another notable piece – on permanent loan to INhouse – is a small oil on paper on a wall near the kitchen. It is by Emilie Kelso, who was married to Robert Kelso and painted her paintings in the premises.
Although Smith doesn’t spend much time in the house himself, he is committed to honoring its history and offering it as a resource to the local arts community.
The owner of this Prospect home has degrees in studio art and art history from New York University, as well as a degree she describes as the equivalent of an MBA in visual arts management. She studied under professors who were curators at the Guggenheim Museum, and her love, appreciation and knowledge of art runs deep.
Their art collection is extensive and diverse, including everything from works by artist Ralph Steadman, known for his collaborations with Hunter S. Thompson, to antique posters, prints and paintings related to Churchill Downs.
Some objects also have special meaning for the family. In the dining room there are paintings of her husband’s great-grandparents dating back to the early 1900s. And in the converted basement there is a wooden picture showing the family coat of arms on a shelf next to the pool table.
Another particularly noteworthy piece is a nearly 6-foot-tall, mixed-media artwork from India.
“It is a painting made of precious gemstones and gold leaf,” the homeowner explained, adding that the elaborate artwork was created sometime in the mid-19th century and shows Islamic influences.
The piece appears to depict Naga – a member of a class of mythical semi-divine beings known in Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism – surrounded by dozens of people.
“(The depiction of people) was part of the European influence of imagery, as the Islamic faith does not allow figurative art in its works,” the homeowner explained. “They are (usually) more… geometric or (include) animal motifs.”
Dick and Ardi Wilson’s home is filled with quality furnishings, a selection of antiques and plenty of original art.
“Almost everything here is either an original work of art by the artist or they are signed and numbered lithographs,” Dick said, adding that he was responsible for selecting the Roche Bobois furniture but his wife took care of the more decorative aspects of their home.
“Ardi is the artist in the house,” he said, “and her artistic flair has really helped. (She is) the delicate touch that makes everything so wonderful.”
Ardi’s most popular works include oil paintings by Polish artist Katarzyna Kociomyk, including a lifelike depiction of jockeys on their horses during a race.
“We had a Kentucky Derby party,” Ardi recalled, “and one of the ladies there said, ‘Oh, that’s just the most wonderful painting – I can hear the thunder.’ I thought, ‘Oh, that’s just fabulous!'”
The Wilsons’ home is filled with other paintings by Kociomyk, as well as lithographs by Leroy Neiman and Guillaume Azoulay and original artwork and sculptures by Marvin Finn, Erté and Frederick Hart, to name a few. Each piece has been carefully placed to complement the home and enhance the space.
Know of a home that would make a great Home of the Week? Email writer Lennie Omalza at [email protected] or lifestyle editor Kathryn Gregory at [email protected].
Nuts and bolts: INhouse in Indiana
owner: Brook and Pam Smith. Brook is a collector of contemporary art.
Home: This is a 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom, 1,400 square foot mid-century modern home built in 1957 in New Albany. It was originally designed by John M. Johansen. After changing hands several times and falling into disrepair, it was renovated in 2012 by Louisville artist Ed Garber in a manner as close to its original design as possible. It is the core of the INhouse project, founded in July 2015 by businessman and philanthropist Brook Smith.
Striking elements: H-floor plan with flat roof; entry courtyard; butternut siding throughout; magnolia tree growing through center of home; slate and hardwood floors in living and dining rooms; round stone fireplace in living room with safe alcove and engraved date and family name; kitchen with original Customline countertop and stainless steel cooktop; west-facing patio with custom faux railing; glass walls; open floor plan; basement with exit to wooded backyard; skylights in bathrooms; patio access from master bedroom; “Reading in the Red Room II,” oil on wood by Delia Brown; “Model Minority,” ChromaLuxe aluminum print by Vinhay Keo; untitled steel and enamel piece by Pard Morrison; “The Underworld,” giclee print with archival inks on Somerset 250 gsm velvet-finished paper by Mark Wallinger; oil on paper by Emilie Kelso.
Applause applause! Ed Garber and Sharon Lamb for the unusual, functional landscaping – from the parking lot to the entrance
Nuts and bolts: art lovers
Home: This is a 2002 Southern European architecture inspired home with 8 bedrooms, 10 bathrooms and 15,000 square feet of living space in Prospect.
Striking elements: Situated on 3.2 acres; nine fireplaces throughout, each with unique, ornate marble and hand-carved mantels; detailed and extensive crown molding throughout; lion motif and Greek-inspired acanthus leaves throughout; crystal chandeliers; outdoor patio, pool and pool house; fine art throughout, including hand-blown glass sculptures in the dining room; a collection of antique posters, prints, paintings and photographs of Churchill Downs and Thoroughbreds; classical, figurative art paired with contemporary, abstract art.
Applause applause! Real estate agent Susie Ades-Pomerance and interior designer Barry Wooley.
Nuts and bolts: works of art and antiques
owner: Dick and Ardi Wilson. Dick is a senior vice president at Morgan Stanley and Ardi is the founder of Ardi’s Bears. The couple’s three cats also live in the house: Missy, Sweetie and B2.
Home: This is a 2 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom condominium with 2,85 sqm living area in Prospect with a 28 sqm porcelain terrace. It was built in 2005 and renovated from 2016 to 2020.
Striking elements: Direct access from the elevator; the living room, designed by interior designer and architectural planner Dennis Tapp, includes an ebony library with hidden lighting on each shelf, black fireplace, white sofa, entry table and lighting; a collection of over 100 British sterling silver cigar and cigarette boxes; a camera collection; Roche Bobois chairs and tables; glass desk by Ralph Lauren; oil paintings by Katarzyna Kociomyk; lithographs by Leroy Neiman; lithographs by RC Gorman; lithographs by Guillaume Azoulay; original artwork and sculptures by Marvin Finn, Salvador Dali, Peter Max, Erté and Frederick Hart; etched glass angels by Kenneth von Rohn.
Applause applause! Dennis Tapp Interiors; Lisa Niehaus Custom Designs; Darrin Francesconi of Vision Constructors; Mike Smith of Artistic Kitchens; Miller’s Fancy Bath & Kitchen.
