JEFFERSONTOWN, Ky. (WAVE) – When you think of cities with an impressive art scene and a high number of artists, you likely think of New York and Los Angeles.
But a local couple wants you to think of Louisville, too.
There’s not an empty wall in this Jeffersontown property, where more than 1400 pieces of art are hung. They say they feel like they are living with friends.
Jeffersontown couple shares huge collection of local art(WAVE)
“Now there are over 800 different artists in the house. All the names are getting jumbled,” joked homeowner Larry Shapin.
Their collection started in 1975 when Shapin wanted something for above his bed.
“I saw this piece, and I really liked it. And I didn’t have the 500 dollars to buy it,” Shapin said. “She (the artist) let me pay her $15 a month for like three years.”
That artist was Mary Ann Currier. She became one of the most acclaimed painters. Her work is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
When he met Ladonna Nicolas, they immediately bonded over another piece of art he owned. It’s a statue of a woman.
“I was like, ‘Where did you get that? I was the model for it,’” Nicolas said with a laugh.
Since then, they’ve added. And added. They built a gallery onto their house.
And then during the pandemic, they built their art barn.
“We ran out of space,” Shapin says.
Jeffersontown couple shares huge collection of local art(WAVE)
The real estate developer likes to get to know the artists and the story behind their creations.
Of all the pieces they own, Nicolas’ favorite is of a coyote head that drools.
“It’s like a dog,” she says.
Speaking of dogs, they even have a robotic dog named Buddy that knows quite a few tricks.
The couple gives many tours of their collection. They once gave a tour to a group of art curators.
“They said they’ve never seen anything like this in their life,” Shapin said. “They said no one in the world really collects just Louisville artists or just LA artists or just Manhattan artists.”
Many of the pieces are from up-and-coming artists.
Some are more famous. They own a bronze head of a soldier by Ed Hamilton.
“This is the most famous living artist in Kentucky,” Shapin said.
Now they’ve started a 501c3 called the Shapin Nicolas Art Project or SNAP.
“We’re trying to leave the property here to a foundation so people can enjoy the work hopefully for hundreds of years,” Shapin said.
They continue to add to their collection when something speaks to them.
“We’re hoping to continue all of our hard work, to help the local artists, collect, and educate people,” Nicolas said.
So, their friends on the walls can continue to inspire future generations.
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