The Art Bus in the Smokies: How a Little School Bus Became My Dream Studio

It was the fall of 2023 when we bought a little, used Chevy S10 — our “runaround” vehicle, so we didn’t have to move our home every time we needed groceries. We’d had the truck for about seven or eight months when, one quiet afternoon, an idea struck me:

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a small art studio? A space where I could actually create — but also something that could double as a second vehicle.

That thought stayed with me all day until finally, I opened Facebook Marketplace and posted an offer to trade our truck for a short school bus. Within minutes, I found the cutest little four-window bus about four hours away. I messaged the owner, sent a few pictures of our truck, and to my surprise — they agreed to trade!

I was elated. My husband was on board, so we made the drive to see it in person. The moment I saw the bus, I fell completely in love. It was small, quirky, and full of charm — exactly what I had pictured. Sure, it didn’t start right up, and there was a strange noise when driving, but you know how it is when you’re seeing something through rose-colored glasses? That was me.

We hobbled it home for four long hours, dreaming the whole way about how it could become a cozy weekend camper — maybe even a mobile art studio or traveling gallery around Asheville, where local artists could collaborate.

After gutting the interior, removing the seats, and painting the inside, progress stalled. I didn’t have the funds to fix the mechanical issues, and it couldn’t safely be driven anywhere. So, the bus sat for a while. Eventually, we bought plywood and installed a floor, but soon after, life shifted again.

A new job opportunity came up, and we moved about an hour west to East Tennessee — to the foothills of the Smoky Mountains. We parked the bus again, but this time, we got lucky. The property owner happened to be a retired mechanic, and with his help, we replaced the brake line and repaired all the chewed wiring that had caused so many problems.

Now the bus runs! It still needs back tires, but it’s finally alive again. Around the same time, we found a small piece of land to build our simple bus homestead, and we briefly thought about selling the little art bus to help fund the move.

But one morning, as someone was scheduled to come see it, I woke up with this thought: I hope she doesn’t show up.

That moment made everything clear — I didn’t want to sell the bus. I wanted to finish what I started and turn it into something meaningful: a creative space for others. With my husband’s support, I began building the art bus using scrap lumber and materials we gathered right here on the property.

Now, a little over a month later, I’m sitting in my nearly finished studio space, working on marketing and planning small group workshops. My dream is to offer a unique, peaceful experience here in the Smoky Mountains — a quiet place where kind souls can gather, sip tea, and create art in a cozy, relaxed environment.

Welcome to The Art Bus in the Smokies — where creativity, simplicity, and nature come together.

About The Art Bus in the Smokies

The Art Bus in the Smokies is a tiny, heartfelt studio tucked in the quiet hills of East Tennessee. What started as a short school bus has become a cozy, light-filled space where creativity and calm meet.

Here, I host small art workshops and creative sessions designed to help you slow down, reconnect, and make something beautiful with your hands. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or simply someone who misses the joy of creating, this is a space for you to unwind, sip tea, and let inspiration flow.

The studio sits along a peaceful creek near the Smoky Mountains — a place where time moves a little slower, and the only agenda is to breathe, create, and be.

If you’d like to visit, join a workshop, or follow along with the journey, you can find updates and event details on The Art Bus in the Smokies FB Page