Imagine owning and living in one of the most interesting houses in Fort Wayne. Now imagine opening up that house five days a week to the public so that they can enjoy artwork you have hung in every room in your house.

That’s exactly what Mark Paul and Jody Hemphill Smith do on a weekly basis. The Castle Gallery is not only a wonderful gallery in which to view artwork, but it is also where the Smiths live.

The gallery is quickly transitioning to its Holiday Show, an invitational featuring some amazing artists from the area and from across the nation. Works by Jill Stefani Wagner, Tim Johnson, Scott Kilmer, Fred Doloresco, Randal Scott Harden, Nancy Haley, and more will be represented.

The gallery juries their artists carefully and picks the best of the best, with an eye toward offering affordable art to its patrons. It’s interesting to note that while the art hanging on the walls is the big draw, the building itself could also be considered a piece of art. With its seemingly endless rooms and staircases, it’s something that needs to be experienced in order to appreciate fully.

“We’ve been here for 24 years this month,” Jody Hemphill Smith said. “We plan on really decking the house out for the holidays and for this exhibition. It’s really an enjoyable time and a great opportunity to purchase unique art just in time for Christmas.”

The Holiday Show opens Nov. 30 with a reception from 6-10 p.m. featuring hors d’oeuvres by Jo Adair, a cash bar by Wine Time, and piano by Mark Mason Meussling. It continues Tuesdays-Saturdays through Jan. 5. (Chris Hupe)