If you’re looking for a creative activity in a charming village down a beautiful stretch of beach this summer, think about road tripping to Avon’s Studio 12. The only working art studio on the Outer Banks offers pottery wheels, painting, mosaics, jewelry-making and much more. There’s a fun, artistic activity for everyone, with no experience required.
And getting there is part of the fun! Owner Dawn Eskins says that coming over the Basnight Bridge with its sparkling expanse of water “just takes your breath away.” With Highway 12’s dunes, wildlife and historic lighthouses, day tripping has its own magic.
Once you arrive at Studio 12 in the heart of Avon, get ready to create.
“The Clay Date alone is worth the drive,” Dawn says. “You can walk in with no experience, and in an hour you’ll produce a hand-thrown pottery piece.”
When you’re finished at the wheel, you choose colors for glazing, and your art is then fired and shipped to your home address – no need for a return trip.
What can you expect with a Clay Date? Dress for a mess, and be ready to get your hands dirty. Up to four people at a time can participate, and clay is included. An instructor will show you what to do.
“We do the hard parts for you, but you make it yourself,” Dawn says.
This is the full “Swayze- crazy” Ghost pottery experience!
“People are really excited to learn,” Dawn says.
Participants must be at least 12 years old to operate the equipment for the Clay Date, but there are tons of other studio options for everyone, including mosaics, glass fusion, shell painting, custom candles, jewelry-making and classes in decoupage, sea glass jewelry, watercolors and more.
Studio 12’s gift shop features all-local art. Check out their new Soundside Collection, which is crafted by local artists off-season.
One important note: Reservations are required for Clay Dates, so make sure to check Studio 12’s website and reserve in advance.
Throwing pottery is a fun and grounding experience.
“You get back in touch with the earth,” Dawn says, adding that customers are always happy and excited with their pottery result. So, make a creative day of it on Hatteras Island with Studio 12. You’ll come away with both an experiential memory and a one-of-a-kind, hand-crafted souvenir!
Sip and Savor the Craft
At Swept Away Café inside Studio 12, buy a mug made by our in-house potters and enjoy a free espresso featuring Island Bare Simple Syrups, crafted entirely in-house. Also try their açai bowls, smoothies, locally roasted espresso and crab melts.
(252) 995-7899
studio12avon.com
41008 NC Highway 12, Avon
About the Author Heather Frese
Heather Frese fell in love with the Outer Banks when she was three years old. She grew up camping every summer on Hatteras Island, and her writing is deeply influenced by the history and wild beauty of the area. Her debut novel, The Baddest Girl on the Planet, won the Lee Smith Novel Prize and is set on Hatteras Island. 
