Wooden Hill, Home and Garden Shop, in Westwood

September 23rd, 2017  |  Published in September 2017

Wooden Hill, 3036 Harrison Ave., is a new home and garden shop in Westwood. Owned by Amanda Hogan Carlisle and her husband Kevin Carlisle, the store features all local – TriState – merchandise. The couple purchased the store on the corner of Harrison and Montana in the Ruehlmann Building. Hogan Carlisle carries cards, paintings, collages, photograph prints and framed photo prints.

Hogan Carlisle received her B.A. in liberal arts in 1999 from Xavier University. Her mother was an artist and teacher at the Charles L. Seipelt Elementary School in Milford, which influenced her daughter to pursue art. “I loved to experiment with different media, beginning with drawing, painting, printmaking and mixed media collage.” She makes note cards which she sells today for $5 at her store as well as at Indigenous in O’Bryonville, Redtree Art Gallery and Coffee Shop in Oakley and Coffee Emporium in East Hyde Park.

Notecard created by Amanda Carlisle

In 2002, she married Kevin Carlisle, a musician and self-employed photographer who specializes in local landmarks. She continues her career as a program manager in the College of Education – School of Human Services at the University of Cincinnati. She manages admissions and provides general student support.

Previously, Hogan Carlisle worked at ArtWorks on such projects as the Big Pig Gig and Flower Power. Due to her husband’s schedule, he is able to work in the store Wednesday through Friday. Amanda joins him Saturday and Sunday.

The couple lives in Westwood. Hogan Carlisle created the Westwood Art Show nine years ago. “Westwood is ripe for opportunity,” she said. A lot of businesses have settled in Westwood. She views Westwood as a destination location with businesses such as Supercade, a video arcade; Four Directions, a yoga studio; and Lillywood Home & Gifts.

Picture of Kevin and Amanda Carlisle

The Westwood Historic District is listed on the National Register, administered by the Department of Interior.  Locally, the City of Cincinnati and the State Historic Preservation Office administer the district.  It is comprised of seven buildings including Westwood Town Hall, Westwood School, Westwood Branch Library, Westwood Fire Station, Bell Building and two nearby churches. The store is also in the district.

Westwood is an active and supportive community, according to Hogan Carlisle. Artists live in Westwood because it’s affordable. Although there is no official gallery in the neighborhood, Hogan Carlisle said there’s a need to showcase artists in the area. She has reached out to over 50 local artists such as Jessie Boone, painter, Joanne Honschopp, painter, Brad Austin Smith, photographer and Westwood resident, Colin Rowland, sculptor, and Katie Swartz, ceramic artist. She shows three to five pieces from each artist.

Hogan Carlisle also sells such items as towels, pottery and wall décor. She is also the only retailer on the Westside to carry Charley Harper merchandise.

The 540-square-feet store has an affordable rent, according to Hogan Carlisle. Little renovation was needed. A soft opening of Wooden Hill will be from 11 am to 10 pm on September 9, the same date as the Westwood Art Show. The grand opening will be from 11 am to 10 pm on September 23.

Getting the word out is a challenge, according to Hogan Carlisle. Reaching an older population is frustrating; some don’t use a computer. She added that Westsiders are conservative with their spending.

In their early 40’s, the couple wanted to do some of their own ‘stuff.’ The Carlisles recognized that artists struggle to find outlets for their work. They now have provided one.

For more information, visit the Facebook page of Amanda Hogan Carlisle. Hogan Carlisle is also reached at amanda@kevincarlisle.com. Her cell phone number is 513-405-4013.

–Laura Hobson

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