Meet Ben and Theresa Alley
Celebrating Creativity and Community
In the heart of Smyrna, Tennessee, creativity is thriving thanks to passionate artists like Ben and Theresa Alley. As the duo behind Trellis & Vine Gallery, they’ve become a driving force in the local arts scene by sharing their talent, creating space for others to shine, and building a vibrant, connected creative community.
A Creative Partnership Rooted in Smyrna
Ben and Theresa Alley’s story is rooted in creativity and community. They first met in 2015 at a ballroom dance class—an opportunity Theresa discovered during her very first visit to the Simply Smyrna Celebration, a local event that ended up changing her life. The connection they made through dance quickly blossomed into a creative partnership. By 2016, they were performing together at a local theater company and building a life centered around the arts. Even their wedding reflected their artistic flair, featuring a murder mystery rehearsal dinner and a ballroom dance lesson to kick off the celebration! Every year, when Simply Smyrna rolls around, Theresa is thankful for the event that not only brings the community together but also served as the spark to their relationship.
Ben, a Smyrna native and longtime supporter of the arts through Carpe Artista, returned home after college to invest in the community that raised him. Theresa moved to Smyrna in 2015 while working on her master’s degree and fell in love with the town’s family-friendly feel—and with Ben. Together, they’ve been shaping the creative future of Smyrna ever since, while also raising two children in the place they proudly call home.
Creative Roots and Daily Rituals
From theater and directing to sewing and writing, Theresa finds joy in artistic expression of all kinds. She even sewed her own wedding dress and creates thoughtful gifts like crocheted creations and t-shirt quilts. Ben, on the other hand, is a leatherworker at heart, having made Theresa a purse early in their relationship that is still an everyday accessory. He also has a serious passion for coffee, from brewing to accessories, making their morning coffee ritual a cherished daily habit.
Trellis & Vine: A Hub for Local Art
Their gallery, Trellis & Vine, located on Lowry Street, is more than just a place to buy art—it's a vibrant, creative hub. Visitors can explore artisan goods, meet local artists working in studios, and experience curated monthly exhibitions. It's their way of nurturing growth, which is this year’s theme for the Alley's creative journey.
Their hope is for Smyrna to grow into a true haven for artists and art lovers alike.
“We believe Smyrna is a hub of incredible talent. We would love more opportunities for those talented people to shine via music events, galleries, working studios, and spaces for the community to engage.”
Art Express: Destination Smyrna
Looking to expand that vision, Ben and Theresa are launching a new series: Art Express: Destination Smyrna Art Crawls—an immersive experience that blends local art, community engagement, and pure fun. Inspired by vintage train rides, the events include art displays, collectible stickers, delicious food and drinks, and a ballroom dance after-party!
They’re partnering with the Smyrna Arts & Culture Advisory Committee (Roundabout Smyrna), Google Fiber, The Print Shop, and Unity Dance Community to make it happen. Their dream? That families across Smyrna will join in, celebrate together, and experience something unforgettable. The first event is scheduled for Friday, June 27, 2025.
A Call to Support Local
“We are passionate about what we do, but we can’t do it alone.”
Ben and Theresa emphasize that local support fuels local creativity. Through the SiMA Group, they learned that 68% of the money spent in Smyrna stays in Smyrna. That’s why they encourage everyone to visit their gallery, follow them online, and uplift the artists they work with.
“We need the community to come out and engage with artists, buy their work, and support creativity that's happening here.”
Parting Words of Wisdom
To young or emerging artists, the Alley's advice is simple but powerful: Get connected to the community. Put yourself out there. Join RAA. Visit the library. Stop by our gallery. Find a mentor. Stay connected to people who help you thrive.
And for anyone wondering how to stay inspired, they share a favorite quote that perfectly captures their heart:
“Nothing is more practical than finding God, than falling in Love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you do with your evenings, how you spend your weekends, what you read, whom you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude. Fall in Love, stay in love, and it will decide everything.”
In Ben and Theresa Alley, Smyrna has two artists, entrepreneurs, and visionaries whose love for each other, their town, and the arts radiates through everything they do. Let’s lift them up, follow their lead, and continue building a creative Smyrna together!
Follow Trellis & Vine:
- 🌿 Website: trellisandvine.art
- 📷 Instagram: @trellisandvinearts
- 👍 Facebook: Trellis and Vine Art