Cricket Willis does not see a difference between being a businesswoman and being an artist. In the case of Artsy Me, the former led to a living as the latter.
“I like to paint and create,” said Willis. “I’m definitely an entrepreneur at heart. That’s my core.”
Willis and her husband Brad opened their first ceramic art studio on Dec. 1, 2001 on Walton Way Extension three weeks before the birth of their first child.
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The idea occurred to Willis in 1999 after seeing a pottery store during a trip to Hilton Head. The couple owned a consignment store called Crickets in the House at the time. Having experience with the arts all her life and with pottery in particular, Willis decided bringing one to the Augusta area was her next worthy business venture.
“At that time, it was business,” said Willis. “I saw a need, and Augusta didn’t have one.”
In February 2012, Artsy Me moved to its present location in Evans —the old Feed and Seed store.
“Most people that live in Augusta and Columbia County know this as the Brown’s Feed and Seed,” she said.
Artsy Me has two Columbia County locations. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews 
Artsy Me has two Columbia County locations. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews
A second location opened in downtown Augusta in 2016, but that location transitioned to Grovetown Oct. 1, 2020, becoming Artsy Me @ The Gateway.
According to Willis, Artsy Me’s moniker could aptly refer any one of its customers.
“The gist of it is creating something, something that they can use, share, give,” said Willis. I definitely believe that everyone is an artist. We have to help some people find that, but it’s always fun to see their faces with the outcome.”
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The studio specializes in what are called fired arts, which include pottery and glass fusion. Customers may choose a pottery piece to paint, and the studio will have the piece fired and glazed so that the customer can paint it at will.
The studio also offers wheel throwing classes taught by local potter Harrison Hickman for those interested in learning how to create and form their own ceramic pieces.
Artsy Me offers ceramic classes. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews Artsy Me offers ceramic classes. Staff photo by Skyler Q. Andrews
The studio holds a wide variety of events, including a seven-week summer camp. The studio will take its wares to schools, churches and art fairs as well as book field trips onsite.
The studio hosts several events for ladies’ nights, nursing homes, special needs groups and even children’s birthday parties. Over 500 kids have had birthday parties there just this year.
Artsy Me will celebrate its 20th anniversary in December. This has been plenty of time for the business to embed itself in the community. Some of her current employees had birthday parties there as children.
The innovative spirit behind the business has served it for over two decades. Some of its current employees had birthday parties there as children. Willis notes that following one’s heart and hard work make the bedrock any such long-lasting endeavor, creative or commercial.
“I would say don’t settle,” said Willis. “Do what you love. I was truly blessed that was able to find what I like to do.”
The Evans location at 4275 Washington Rd., is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday; and the Grovetown location at 935 Branch Court is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. For more information, visit https://artsymestudio.com/ or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/ArtsyMe.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering Columbia County with The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
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