ATHENS – Wes and Marlene Isom grow art in the form of fruit trees that blossom and dot the landscape of Athens with hues of pink and white petals which then produce the orange, red and yellow hues of peaches and apples.
On dreary winter days, Marlene Isom creates art out of colorful material and thread, quilting during those rare moments that her work on the orchard takes a pause.
Even when Marlene Isom has a chance to turn scraps of material into her version of an art
canvas, Wes Isom’s work on the family farm continues. Every season he lovingly tends to the crops that produce the food that feed a community.
This passion for art and for sharing the beauty of their farm and the fruits and vegetables it produces led the Isom family to make plans to host its third Dinner in the Orchard fundraising event. The Oct. 11 event will benefit the Athens Arts League, a committee of the Spirit of Athens.
“I want artists in Athens to have a place to share their talents and for children in our community to have the opportunity to experience art in Athens,” Marlene Isom said.
The Isom family knows local youth can use their talent to have successful careers. Alabama Shakes, for example, are an Athens-based and Grammy-nominated band comprised of members, some of whom formed a band while students at East Limestone High School. Marlene Isom taught lead guitarist Heath Fogg when he was a child.
Recently, Fogg asked Marlene Isom, “How does Dinner in the Orchard with Alabama Shakes sound to you?”
Marlene Isom in turn called Diane Lehr with the Athens Arts League and posed the same question, pitching the event as a fundraiser for arts in the community. Of course the idea sounded like perfect harmony. The Athens Arts League is working on its High Cotton Arts program, a facility to supply artists with affordable studio space.
“A new arts center will be a wonderful venue for artists of all ages,” Fogg said. “The venue will allow artists to showcase their work through a variety of art forms and be a source of creative inspiration to all in the community. We are proud to support the arts in Athens and help create opportunities for our local artists.”
The group honed their unique musical skills in their small community and found inspiration by the riverbanks, fields and farms of their beloved Limestone County. The community and the group’s artistic drive inspired their roots rock style that has earned them accolades all over the world.
Alabama Shakes will entertain Dinner in the Orchard guests with an intimate performance to support arts in the Athens community. This event will be a warm welcome home style evening with Alabama Shakes, a group that has given the world a taste of the real Alabama. Likewise, the Isom’s will offer true Alabama farm-to-table delicacies for their guests to enjoy.
In addition, two local bands whose members are friends with Alabama Shakes will perform. Those bands are 45 Special and Tripping Dixie.
“We are fortunate to have families like the Isoms who support the arts in our community, and we are fortunate to have these local artists who can showcase their talent,” said Athens Arts League member Diane Lehr.
Money raised will support art programs in all mediums from music to pottery to painting. The Athens Arts League sponsors activities such as Open Mic Night at Picasso’s, the summer Art Strolls on The Square with musical guests, art camps for the Boys and Girls Club, other children’s art camps and new programs to be offered at High Cotton Arts.
“Art is an integral part of a community’s history, its current identity and its future as an attractive locale that continues to thrive,” Lehr said.
The Isom family will host the Dinner in the Orchard event amid the rows of peach trees on their farm. Prior to dinner, guests will 
experience a social hour by the pond with jazz music provided by area musicians. Guests will stroll through artists’ displays and sample hors d’oeuvres. During dinner, served at barn-style tables, guests will enjoy a menu that includes food created by chefs from local restaurants. Some dishes will include ingredients from the Isom farm. While dining, guests will enjoy the sounds of string instruments strummed by the talented fingers of area musicians.
After dinner, Alabama Shakes, 45 Special and Tripping Dixie will perform.
“Before the evening ends, our guests should be touched with some form of music that appeals to them,” Marlene Isom said.
Wes and Marlene Isom held their first Dinner in the Orchard event in 2011 to benefit the Athens-Limestone Hospital’s Emergency Department renovation.
“We were looking for a way to share our orchard with the community and for a way to give back,” Marlene Isom said.
The family chose the hospital because Wes Isom’s mother, Jo Ann Isom, worked for 44 years at the hospital, spending 35 of those years in the Emergency Department.
The second Dinner in the Orchard benefitted the Athens-Limestone Public Library’s new building being constructed on Jefferson Street. The family chose the library because of Wes Isom’s uncle, Raymond Isom, who believed in acquiring knowledge, honoring family history and maintaining farming traditions. Marlene Isom also was a Writing to Read teacher at Johnson Elementary and believes in instilling strong writing and reading skills in students.
For this third dinner, art is the focus and will be evident in the music, the decorating, the exhibits and the meal. The art of planning was even needed to choose the perfect date.
“Anytime you plan a major outdoor event in Alabama you need the Farmer’s Almanac and the football schedules for Auburn and Alabama,” Marlene Isom said. “All were considered in the plan.”
Tickets to this event have sold out. To stay updated on Dinner in the Orchard plans, check out “Isom’s Orchard” and “Art on the Square” on Facebook.
