Avon’s Studio 12, the Outer Banks’ only working art studio, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in 2027, and owner Dawn Eskins is on a mission to honor the customers who have been returning yearly since the very beginning.
“The culture of this business is so unique,” Dawn says. “I can’t tell you how many times someone has walked in with a 25-year-old who’s been painting at Studio 12 their entire life.”
To honor the families who always find their way back to Studio 12, Dawn plans to create a special sea turtle that will hang in a place of honor in the studio (like female sea turtles who always return to their home beach!). Each time the family returns, it will be placed on their table. Founding Families are encouraged to upload photos and stories to Studio 12’s website and social media for sharing during the anniversary celebration year.
One hurdle is that Studio 12 is a walk-in studio, so customer names aren’t necessarily kept in a client database for Dawn to contact them about the anniversary celebration. She asks anyone reading this to encourage any former customers to stay in contact via social media, the website and, of course, in-person creation sessions.
For nearly 25 years now, families have popped into Studio 12 without an appointment to paint pottery, make jewelry, work with glass fusion, paint seashells, craft mosaics and much more. They have attended scheduled classes at Studio 12, too, where they can learn to throw pottery, paint watercolors and make clay dishes and mugs. And those who haven’t had time for the full studio experience have had fun with gallery projects like creating aromatic necklaces and crafting personalized candles, which can be done in minutes.
Customers have also shopped in Studio 12’s gallery and gift shop, which feature works created exclusively by Outer Banks artists, many of them onsite.
A special homecoming this summer at Studio 12 was the return of beloved former owner Carolyn Schena’s daughter, Sam, who worked at the studio before she started college.
“It was a real full-circle moment,” Dawn says.
For all you Founding Families out there, consider this a call to action. Check Studio 12’s website and Facebook page, upload your stories and come meet your turtle — just like you, they always know when to return home.
What's New at Swept Away Cafe
A customer favorite for acai bowls, coffee, boba and breakfast, Swept Away Cafe’s newest offering is Cloud Matcha. This drink features layers of iced coconut water, whipped matcha and flavored cold foam that floats on top like a cloud, creating a drink that’s both delicious and pretty! As always, Swept Away Cafe features coffee from the local Blue Room Roasters and cupcakes, including gluten-free options, from Carolina Cupcakery.
(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. 
