Tucked away on a charming street in Ardsley Park lives a watercolor artist whose creativity seems to bloom as effortlessly as the botanical subjects she paints. Meet Amy Challis—a Florida native turned Savannah creative whose delicate hand and vibrant imagination bring the Lowcountry’s charm to life on paper.

A lifelong artist, Amy’s journey began in Delray Beach, where her mother, a talented painter with a garden that looked like it had leapt from the pages of a storybook, first encouraged her to see the world through a colorful lens. “I’ve been drawing since I was three,” Amy shares. “My mom gave me that foundation— and my pieces reflect my vibrant upbringing.”

After earning her BFA from SCAD, Amy put down roots in Ardsley Park six years ago, and the neighborhood’s storybook streets, historic textures, and lush greenery have since become her daily inspiration. Through her brand, Challis Creative, she’s developed a signature style that blends the botanical and the whimsical—reflected beautifully in her Sweet Savannah series. These imaginative watercolor arrangements fuse iconic Savannah architecture and flora into dreamlike, bouquet-like compositions. It’s Savannah, reimagined with a painter’s heart and a childlike wonder.

But Amy isn’t just about finished works—she’s passionate about bringing others into the creative process. As a resident artist at Dreamhouse Studios, she hosts regular workshops designed for all ages and experience levels. Whether it’s a “Whimsy Watercolors” night or a themed craft event, Amy creates a welcoming space for creative exploration. “I love giving people those same moments of discovery I experienced growing up,” she says. “I want to bring a night of playfulness and joy to the community.”

When she’s not in her home studio or teaching a class, you might spot Amy’s work in local gems like Superbloom, Starland Strange, and the Davenport House Museum. Her illustrations are also available online, and she’s always open to custom projects and collaborations.

Whether you're a collector, a casual art lover, or just looking for a fun creative outlet, Amy Challis’s world of watercolor invites you in—and encourages you to look at Savannah just a little more whimsically.