By Megan Krieg
Here is a little history about Fort Thomas’ very own Art House. A leap of faith was taken, a lot of hard work, integrity, ingenuous planning, and networking was taking place. Lots of anticipation from our community, and then a beautiful old brick house on top of a hill overlooking the backbone of central Fort Thomas had been thoughtfully and creatively transformed into a “home” for all artists and artists..a “home” for our community. If you have not yet been to the Art House, take that leap of faith. Walk in the door and you will be welcomed by the humble and much inspiring Parrish Monk, owner of the Art House.
And wait until you meet his beautiful and dynamic wife Sharahn. I was drawn to her beautiful spirit with our first handshake. Parrish might encourage you to read a book, take a look, drink a hot cup of coffee or tea. He will make you feel at home in the Art House.
He might want to know about you, your ambitions and your passions. He will also sense if you just want to visit quietly. Among his many qualities is his great business sense, artistic expression, as well as a great business bedside manner. Undeniably, you will be drawn to the many artistic treasures and escapes The Art House has to offer its community.
The mission of the Art House is to provide access to the arts and art opportunities for established, independent, emerging and aspiring artists and artisans. To better explain, The Art House will zestfully and personally assist independent artists and artisans in achieving their individual success!
Parrish created the Independent Northern Kentucky Artists and Artisans Business Incubator (INKAA). INKAA focuses on community arts as well as the empowerment and success of independent artists and artisans in different stages of their business. You can find out more about INKAA at
www.INKAAcollaborative.org.
Do you know that feeling? When you wake up groggy in the early morning, waiting impatiently for your much anticipated and needed coffee to brew? You wait, you take a deep breath, you listen for the drip, drip, dripping, into the pot. Then your body begins to relax and your senses take over. The smell, the first small sip from your steaming hot mug. It’s invigorating. That first sip of steaming hot coffee in the morning is what I think of when I remember first visit stepping into the beautiful foyer at the Art House. My senses were awakened, I relaxed the moment I walked in the door, and I felt completely invigorated!
But more than anything, what I first took away from my first visit is what something I knew little about. I knew the Art House had amazing art classes, yoga, cool gifts and creations. I now would like to share The Art House’s other assets.