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It’s fitting that the new owner of Studio 12 in Avon, Dawn Eskins, lives with a family of bridge-builders. Her husband and son are part of four generations of bridge architects who have collectively worked on the Bonner, Basnight and Rodanthe bridges that link the islands of the Outer Banks. Dawn is interested in bridges of a more metaphorical sense, in connecting the traditions and history of Studio 12 into her ownership of the popular art studio and coffee shop in Avon.
With a history in graphic design before becoming a nationally renowned pastry chef and business owner, Dawn’s return to art and the Outer Banks is a homecoming. Studio 12 is a beloved tradition on Hatteras Island, and as it celebrates 20 years she looks forward to the exciting contributions she can offer to the community.
When Dawn’s husband was tapped to work on the Rodanthe Bridge project, the couple decided to leave their home in Camden, North Carolina, and settle on Hatteras Island.
With limited rental housing available, they found their most viable option was to buy a beach house.
“It felt like we’d come home,” says Dawn, whose family is from Carova. “You can really simplify and slow down here.”
As the busy owner of one of the nation’s first cupcake shops, Carolina Cupcakery, and having appeared in such TV shows as Cupcake Wars, House Hunters and Extreme Home Makeover, Dawn was ready for a slower pace, more family time (her grown daughters often visit the studio to help out) and a return to her first loves — art and the Outer Banks.
Walking into Studio 12, you’ll find a gift shop filled with inspirational art pieces designed entirely by local artists. One of the hallmarks of Studio 12 is that, once inspired, you can go over to the studio and create the art the way you want.
“If you see a ceramic bowl that you think is beautiful, you can go make it,” Dawn says. “If you see a suncatcher but want to make it in different colors, I can give you the tools.”
Pottery painting, mosaic boards and glass fusion are just a few of the artistic pursuits available for walk-in at Studio 12.
There are also makers’ classes in pottery throwing, wire-wrapping jewelry, canvas painting and more, all scheduled online. With two big potters’ wheels, you can have a full-on Ghost experience or try a Clay Date in which you create a project in an hour that will then be painted in colors of your choice and mailed to you at home. Open studio time at the potters’ wheel is available, as are longer master classes in pottery. Keep an eye out for other fun, new activities coming to the studio soon.
Dawn intends to celebrate the beloved traditions established by Carolyn Schena, the founder of Studio 12, who sadly passed away in 2019.
“Customers come in with their 18-year-old kids who have been doing pottery with Ms. Carolyn at Studio 12 since they were little,” Dawn says.
Studio 12’s other notable aspect is its Swept Away Cafe. Featuring espresso drinks, handmade Italian sodas, pastries and fruit smoothies, the cafe is now a Carolina Cupcakery location. These gourmet cupcakes are Dawn’s calling card. Carolina Cupcakery features swirling, artistic cupcake delights and has several offerings for those with dietary needs. You can find cupcakes that are vegan, dairy-free, nut-free, gluten-free and keto. There are even Pupcakes for dogs! If you find yourself in the Nags Head area, there’s a spot to pick up a Carolina Cupcakery treat at VintageVibe OBX, a consignment shop found at Milepost 9.
Studio 12 is a Hatteras Island tradition, for 20 years known as a place for nurturing creativity and inspiring art. It’s a special thing when someone comes home to exactly where they’re meant to be, and it’s apparent this is the case for Dawn and her family.
“It’s so appealing down here,” Dawn says. “I love working with children and families who want to express themselves and make art.”
As Dawn builds bridges between the studio’s legacy and the addition of vibrant new features, we can only assume that Studio 12 will thrive for another 20 years.
(252) 995-7899
41008 N.C. 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. 
