Noel says the Sanctuary has been an important part of her journey. Creating the space the way it is today has been a labor of love — coupled with more than $1 million in total renovation costs. But even before the first nail was driven, Noel says she was already inspired by the place itself. “There was always a great energy surrounding it,” she says. “If you’ve never seen the Sanctuary at night by candlelight — the place just transforms itself.” In fact, visitors comment frequently on the Sanctuary’s tranquil and transcendent ambiance. “It’s blessed and it’s magical,” Jimison says. “Incredible things happen there on a daily basis. Being in the Sanctuary is a very emotional experience for some people. It’s a very spiritual place.” The gallery houses a range of works of all sizes as well as a gift shop on the lower level. Noel’s largest paintings go for $250,000 or more, but some of her small originals are priced as low as $1,000, and her limited edition prints are so reasonable that Noel’s art can hang in anyone’s home. “I’ve always insisted that my work remains accessible to everyone,” she says. Noel has a strong connection to many of her paintings, which she finds difficult to explain. “Jane has to do the gallery tours because I just can’t deal with all the emotion I feel around my paintings,” she says. There are even a few paintings Noel feels she can’t sell. Fortunately, she is a prolific painter who has turned out hundreds of works. for short periods of time. “I have to put my feet on the ground,” Noel says. “I have to be around my horses and dogs. I have to have a place where I can breathe and smell the earth. I can’t think of a better place for me than where I am. This is where I raised my kids, and I love the Zionsville community.” Although giving up the Sanctuary and moving her work out of Indiana is a big step, Noel feels confident about her decision. She says one of her more recent paintings, “Letting Go,” symbolizes this step. “I’m not at all afraid to take my art somewhere else,” Noel says. “I never have angst around what I’m going to paint next. When I go into my studio, I’m just following my bliss. I absolutely love what I do.” Noel says she will always be thankful for her local supporters. “The people in Indiana have believed in me,” she says. “They’ve given me the courage to go forward.” Her hope for the Sanctuary is that a new owner would continue to hold events and offer a restaurant so that the public can still experience the beautiful building she fell in love with. Perhaps, she says, it could remain a gallery that exhibits the work of other Indiana artists, adding, “Maybe it’s someone else’s turn.” The Zionsville farm that houses Noel’s barn-loft studio will remain her home base. Still, she’s excited to embark on a new adventure. “I’m never content to rest on what I’ve done,” Noel says. “As soon as you think you’re good enough, you have a problem. I’m a long way from thinking that, but I do know it’s time for me to take the next step.” Tammy LeRoy is an author and freelance writer. A native of Indianapolis, she now calls Scottsdale, Ariz., home. She can be reached at tleroy@day31media.com. Still, she says she’ll only be comfortable being away from home Guard aGainst identity theft. Protect your privacy and confidential information by using shred destruction. << Completely Confidential << << Purge Services – no job too big or small << Convenient & Economical Documents shredded in full view << << Fundraising programs << Residential & Commercial << Environmentally Responsible << No Contracts No need to remove staples or paper clips. We shred pape r, CDs, DVDs, Cred it Cards and mor e! Hours: Mon-Fri 9-6 Sat 9-2 4006 West 96th Street • Indianapolis, IN 46268 Just-shred.com atZionsville.com / MARCH 2014 / ZIONSVILLE COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER / 31 317-872-6460