Podcasts

In Episode 45 of Inside the Frame Podcast, we’re welcomed into the inspiring world of Amber Waterhouse, owner of Waterhouse, a thoughtfully curated antique and art gallery nestled in Hingham Square. With a background that blends corporate retail, painting, and a passion for storytelling through objects, Amber shares a perspective that resonates deeply with both seasoned collectors and those just beginning to appreciate original art.

From Painter to Curator

Amber’s journey into the art world is anything but linear. She began her career in fashion retail, then returned to painting while raising her children, and eventually found herself owning an art and antique store. “I was looking for a venue to sell my art,” she explains, “and I just couldn’t stop thinking about this little shop in town.” That impulse led to what is now Waterhouse—a warm, inviting space that defies the often-intimidating gallery experience.

Amber’s mission was clear: make art accessible. “I never wanted to call it a gallery,” she says. “I didn’t want people to feel intimidated when they came in.” Instead, Waterhouse feels like a treasure hunt, where you might discover a local artist’s original work alongside a century-old antique. “You end up discovering something there on your own,” she says, and that’s the magic.

The Joy of Collecting: One Story at a Time

Throughout the episode, Amber and host Dave discuss what it means to be a collector, not in terms of wealth or status, but through personal connection. Amber recalls her first real art purchase, a pastel by Sandy Deneallan. “I spent $100 and felt like I had made the biggest score of my life.” That one moment opened the door to a lifelong passion.

Whether it’s a painting that reminds someone of home or one bought to commemorate a family milestone, Amber views collecting as a deeply emotional experience. One of her customers buys a piece of art for every major event—marriage, graduation, even loss. “It’s almost like an excuse,” Amber smiles, “but she looks at that painting and thinks of her mom. It becomes a memory.”

Art That Lives with You

Amber’s home is filled with art—landscapes, interiors, and architectural scenes that reflect both her evolving taste and her own work as a painter. “I love paintings of interiors,” she says, “where there’s a human presence without the human.” Her love of regional American art, especially mid-20th-century painters, shows up in both her collecting and her creative process.

She speaks passionately about supporting working artists, whether contemporary or long passed. “There’s so much knowledge their work has left us,” she explains, referencing her experiences painting in Gloucester with David Curtis and studying Cape Ann artists. That lineage continues to influence her own brushwork today.

Making the Leap

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode is Amber’s encouragement to just begin. She knows people can feel intimidated by art buying, but she believes it shouldn’t be that way. “You don’t need to know anything about art to start,” she reassures listeners. “If it speaks to you, that’s enough.”

She offers a try-at-home policy at Waterhouse to help people visualize a piece in their space. “When someone connects with a painting, it’s such a fun part of my job to witness that.” Whether you buy art on vacation, from a local art sale, or commission a piece in custom colors, what matters is the personal connection.

At Frame Center, we believe every piece of art deserves to be seen and celebrated. Whether it’s an original painting, a meaningful print, or a piece you found on your travels, we’re here to help you frame it beautifully. Visit us in Hanover to explore our custom framing services and discover how we can bring your walls and your stories to life.