Inside Tinted Tide Pottery & Art Studio: Crafting Lasting Memories on St. Simons Island
St. Simons Island's Tinted Tide Pottery & Art Studio Offers Family-Friendly Pottery Painting to Capture Golden Isles Vacations
Erica Gillman has lived in many places, but none inspire her like St. Simons Island. After her husband's military service ended in 2017, the family relocated to the Golden Isles. Drawn by stunning ocean views and oak forests cloaked in Spanish moss, Gillman founded Tinted Tide Pottery & Art Studio—a paint-your-own-pottery haven in the heart of St. Simons Island.
Gillman opened Tinted Tide shortly after settling on the island in 2017, envisioning it as a family-oriented business. "I worked at a paint-your-own-pottery studio in college, and my boss raised her family there," Gillman shares. "When I was pregnant with my son, I knew I wanted the same."
Her son was just two months old at launch. "As customers watched the studio grow, they watched him grow too," she says. "It created such a personal, welcoming experience."
This personal touch drives Tinted Tide's success, with repeat customers forming half its base—split evenly between Golden Isles locals and visitors who return like family.
"We see many repeat visitors because people love this area," Gillman notes. Despite rising tourism, St. Simons Island retains its small-town charm. "The community keeps that humble, close-knit feel. We cherish it."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, this community support was vital. Gillman closed the Redfern Village storefront early on, but neighbor Viola's Market stored their kiln and supplies.
Tinted Tide pivoted to pop-up events and painting-to-go kits. "We ensured customers got the full Tinted Tide experience," Gillman explains. "Online, they select pieces and colors, then pick up personalized kits at Viola's Market."
Even with a new storefront in development, painting-to-go kits and events like summer camps will continue. Private painting parties remain a staple—held at restaurants, condos, or parks like Neptune Park for groups of eight or more.
"We'll bring the pottery anywhere they want," she says. The water-soluble paints are mess-free, appealing to venues. Sessions last about two hours, with shipping options for travelers to avoid firing delays.
"We're not just selling pottery; we're delivering an experience," Gillman emphasizes. "These custom pieces preserve cherished St. Simons Island vacation memories."
Insider Tip: For inspiration, Gillman heads to the island's north end. "The natural beauty there is unmatched—few buildings, abundant wildlife, ancient oaks, and Spanish moss in an untamed paradise," she raves.
