May 5, 2026, 6:01 a.m. CT
What started as a refinished-furniture shop on Main Street in Collins has transformed into a surprising community hub. Known as The Back Yard, this establishment, owned by entrepreneur and artist Shelby Smith, combines an art gallery, a communal space, and a coffee and cocktail bar called Steeped & Stirred. This eclectic mix represents Smith’s vision of creating spaces that unite people.
The Back Yard is a business that kept expanding
Smith launched The Back Yard in September 2024 following her sale of the cricket-based food venture, Gym-n-Eat Crickets, to a company in Minnesota. Initially focused on refinishing furniture, she paused this work to limit exposure to harmful chemicals.
Inspired by the charming atmosphere of Collins, located on the eastern edge of Story County, she envisioned a space that would cultivate community connections.
“I had this building on Main Street and thought, ‘I could open a store,’” Smith recalled. “Initially, it was all about my refinished furniture, house plants, and unique vintage finds—like a home goods store.”
However, her idea quickly grew, prompting her to draft plans for expansion. Along with her husband, Willie Beeler—who operates Beeler Lawn & Landscape in downtown Collins—they constructed an outdoor beer garden for cyclists using the Heart of Iowa Trail.
The Back Yard gets traffic from popular bike trail
When the construction of the 21-mile Heart of Iowa Nature Trail progressed more quickly than expected, the couple was able to build and open Steeped & Stirred in early 2025. This patio bar offers coffee, classic cocktails, and craft beers sourced from Iowa breweries.
“This is not really a Bush Light establishment,” Smith remarked. “Our focus is on local products.”
Rather than offering a full bar, Smith presents a rotating selection of specialty cocktails, aiming to create an elevated yet accessible experience within a small-town atmosphere.
Shelby Smith’s mural sparked something new
The most recent chapter of The Back Yard was sparked by an unattractive cinder block wall. Smith desired a mural but couldn’t afford to hire an artist, so she decided to create her own design and paint it.
This experiment led to a more ambitious mural inside the shop’s bathroom, where she painted a 10-by-12-inch floral rectangle each day for 39 consecutive days.
The videos documenting her process garnered surprising attention on social media.
“In the first week, 10 people came in and told me they were following my bathroom painting journey,” she shared.
This unexpected interest inspired Smith to offer painting classes at a nearby venue.
The Back Yard is a new gallery for Iowa artists
Smith has shifted away from furniture sales, and with her husband’s assistance, has developed The Back Yard into a rotating art gallery showcasing Iowa artists, complete with indoor seating for Steeped & Stirred.
The grand opening on April 23 marked the debut of the first of six planned gallery exhibitions, each lasting four weeks and featuring five different Iowa artists. The inaugural show highlighted the talents of Zeb Sanny, Cassie St. Aubin, Laurie Hoifeldt, Audrey Lynn Damhof, and Shawn Palek.
“This season is about creating something greater than just a shop. It’s about fostering a space for gathering, slowing down, and appreciating the remarkable talent we have right here in Iowa,” Smith explained. “People shouldn’t have to travel to a larger city to encounter meaningful art and community.”
The Back Yard has plans to broaden its gallery offerings by including rotating exhibitions from student artists from local rural schools.
Smith is driven to create a destination that attracts visitors to Collins.
“The goal was always to establish something worthwhile for people to travel for,” she concluded. “Collins may be small, but it is indeed mighty.”
Ronna Faaborg covers business and the arts for the Ames Tribune. Reach her at rfaaborg@usatodayco.com.
Key Takeaways
- The Back Yard has evolved from a furniture shop to a vibrant community hub.
- Smith and her husband created an outdoor beer garden for cyclists.
- Steeped & Stirred offers locally sourced beverages and specialty cocktails.
- A community-driven mural sparked new creative initiatives, including painting classes.
- The venue serves as a gallery for Iowa artists, hosting rotating exhibitions.
- Smith aims to make The Back Yard a destination for art and gathering in Collins.
FAQ
What services does The Back Yard offer?
The Back Yard serves as a coffee and cocktail bar, art gallery, and community gathering space.
When did The Back Yard open?
The Back Yard opened its doors in September 2024.
What types of events are held at The Back Yard?
The venue hosts rotating art exhibitions, painting classes, and community gatherings.
