The Lee Street Studio

In 2002, Stephanie moved to Smyrna, GA, a suburb of Atlanta. Just a few miles outside of the city limits the house she found was located on Lee Street, one of the oldest streets in Smyrna. Most houses were built between 1900-1930. The neighborhood was charming; the house was in great shape. The real gem though, was the additional building on the property. Stephanie knew immediately that this would make a fantastic studio. She made an offer on the house within minutes of seeing it and then began the project of building The Lee Street Studio.

It was just a shell of a building. There was no water or electricity and it was extremely unattractive. However, the floors were in good shape. The exposed support beams had great character and then there was plenty of space for the garden. With a team of friends and professionals the place was transformed in about 5 months. By adding a boxwood garden, a water feature, wisteria draped pergola, the Lee Street Studio was transformed into a truly a magical place.

The garden was featured on the Forest Hills tour of Homes and Gardens in 2005. The studio with its wonderful light and Stephanie’s large easel is by no means pristine; it is very much a working studio. You will usually find paint on the floor, wet canvases in different stages of completion, and her Ipod playing full blast! Nonetheless, enjoy these photos of the garden and studio. There have been many events at the Lee Street Studio over the last few years - wine tastings, garden parties, art openings, and even a few weddings.

“This is a place where I can be most creative.....it is quiet ,peaceful but also visually stimulating...my little oasis.” - Stephanie Wheeler