Liz and James Massey had it all figured out. She graduated from SCAD with a B.F.A. in advertising and he went to Georgia Southern earning a master’s in accounting. They planned to have careers in their fields and, maybe someday, open a little brewery.
“We thought it was something we could do after we retired,” said Liz.
When the Georgia Senate Bill 85 came into effect in September of last year, their timeline did a 180. This bill allowed for breweries to sell beer directly to customers. Previously, customers could purchase a tour and receive a tasting, but breweries were unable to sell a full alcoholic beverage.
James is the head brewer and has been making beer in his home for a nearly a decade.
Liz works the Taproom, located right above him. She runs the marketing and helps secures artists for the brewery. Nearly all the artwork associated with Two Tides was created by SCAD students or alumni. “I know how hard it is to make money when you’re at SCAD, it’s tough managing a job and school, so I wanted to help out. There is so much talent at SCAD all of them working with us just happened,” said Liz.
Photo Credit: Two Tides Brewery
Alexandria Hall, an illustration major, created of the taproom mural and can illustrations. Ben Tollefson, who has a master’s in painting and currently works as the SCAD Museum of Art’s assistant coordinator, has curated his paintings around the bar. Seth Akkerman, who has a master’s in graphic design, created the logo, coasters, hats, stickers, cold brew coffee labels and more for Two Tides.
Photo Credit: Two Tides Brewery
Even Two Tides two bartenders, Erin Bonsteel (M.A. in illustration) and Sam Himmelrich (pursuing a B.F.A in graphic design) are artists.
Two Tides Brewery officially opened on St. Patrick’s Day. Their grand opening block party on May 12 with live music–the Roosevelt Collier Trio is headlining the night–and Big Bon Pizza will supply the food. The Masseys will even unveil some brand-new beers.
Two Tides is located in the Starland District on 41st and Desoto.
