Natural light pours through the windows of Allie Heffington Isbell’s second-story art studio, located in Fayetteville’s town square, as she prepares for a full morning of painting. Allie gingerly dips her brush in the paint and begins the meticulous work of creating a scene inspired by her farm in Lincoln County.
“My mom always knew I would have a creative career,” she says with a laugh. “At a young age, I took lipstick to one of the walls in our family home. As I grew older, I almost always had a piece of paper in front of me for doodling.”
Allie’s dream had always been to have a studio of her own where she could let her creativity flow, and in 2020, she moved into a small space in Fayetteville. But it wasn’t until she opened Southern Bales — Art by Allie Studio earlier this year that she found “the perfect mix of retail and studio space.” The new location in the town square gave her more room to create the rural Tennessee-inspired custom acrylic paintings for which she is becoming well known.
Allie’s enchantment with farm life stems from many years of involvement in 4-H and FFA and her love of raising Suffolk and Hampshire sheep. She was the Fayetteville High School FFA chapter president and received her American FFA degree in 2016.
Allie went on to receive her associate degree from Motlow State Community College (MSCC) before earning a degree in art and a minor in marketing from Athens State University.
“Living at home and saving money while attending MSCC was a blessing in disguise for me,” says Allie. “I had more time to paint and develop my artistic style, which I consider French country farmhouse.”
Allie says that her husband, Thee, surprised her with two Hereford cows in 2019, inspiring multiple cow paintings over the years as her herd grew. The Isbells rely on Lincoln Farmers Co-op for supplies to maintain the farm and animals that are so influential in the scenes she depicts in her paintings.
“I love having a business in my hometown,” says Allie. “I’m honored when I think about my art gracing the walls of my neighbors, friends, and family members.”
Allie says she gets to know many of her customers well and can often predict what pieces will appeal to them as they enter the store.
“Having a storefront where I’m able to engage with members of my community makes a huge difference in my business,” says Allie. “Word of mouth is still an effective marketing source and has helped me grow my small business over the years.”
Allie paints a new Santa each Christmas and looks forward to developing a collection of the seasonal paintings. Much of her time during the holidays, however, is spent creating artwork that will soon make its way under the Christmas tree and into the hands of those who treasure its meaningful strokes.
“The holiday season is a busy time for me,” says Allie. “I paint every day between September and Christmas to stay ahead as custom orders start coming in.”
As with many small businesses, Southern Bales is a family affair. Allie is one of six children and depends on her husband, sisters, brothers, parents, and grandparents to help her run the shop and prepare for art shows throughout the year.
Southern Bales is located at 215 College Street E. in Fayetteville and is open Tuesdays – Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Contact Allie via Facebook at Art by Allie or Customartbyallie@gmail.com for more information about custom paintings or to purchase items directly.