Studio 12

06/14/2026

After 23 years, it always surprises me to hear someone say they’ve never heard of us! In case you’re also new to Studio 12, we are the primary diy art center in OBX, located on Hatteras Island in Avon. Our 3,000sf includes an espresso cafe with acai and boba, gifts made by 100% local artists, a large working studio, 4 kilns, 5 pottery wheels and a dedicated glass fusion table. Daily classes include Shell decoupage, watercolor, Clay hand building and throwing. No appt needed to make memories in pottery painting, acrylic painting on boards or seashells, mosaics, glass fusion, candle making and jewelry making. Turnaround times are dictated by your departure date. So much more- but our tagline says it best; Makers Gather Here. If you’ve been with us all these years, enjoy these flashback photos!

06/11/2026

Shell painting with acrylics at Studio 12. Such talented artists this year!

06/07/2026

Progress report!

Four years ago, Studio 12 had two pottery wheels, a handful of tools donated by KinnakeetClay and direction from Elliot Norman to start our pottery program. Today we have six wheels, a growing community of potters, and this spring launched a monthly membership program for students to continue their clay journey.

One question we hear a lot is, “Can my child learn to throw pottery?”

Children under about 12 don’t have the size or strength needed for a standard pottery wheel. But last year we added a small hand-operated wheel just to experiment. What we discovered was something much bigger: it’s a wonderful option for younger children and for people who don’t have use of their legs.

Last week, 10 yo Wes Ferrell, and his determined 7yo brother Ian, came in with their family and proved exactly what’s possible. With a parent working the speed and a little coaching, the boys threw pottery on the wheel for the first time-and both of them nailed it.

Four years ago we were teaching pottery. Today we’re building opportunities for more people to experience it. Seeing families create together like this reminds us of how far the program has come—cannot wait to see what’s next.

06/05/2026

Macrame is back and Studio 12 is here for it!! Avon based Textile artist Jean Norman crafted these unique designs just for studio visitors. One of a kind yoga straps, dream catchers, plant hangers and propagators, plus a brand new creation for florists- a bouquet hammock. All affordably priced, too!

05/31/2026

Beginning 6/1 EVERY espresso served at Swept Away Cafe inside Studio 12 is crafted with local beans from Blue Room Roasters and all natural, house-made flavors. After months of testing, we’re ready to announce Island Bare Simple syrup. It doesn’t get more local than this, unless we buy a cow. Bonus? You get a free espresso with every mug you purchase from our own in-house potters.

05/31/2026

05/28/2026

Favorite neighbor and Long time intern Leslie Kriewald is one of our featured potters at Studio 12! Hand made stoneware and Raku bowls, vases and planters. All our yarn bowls are crafted by Leslie!

05/28/2026

New artist for 2026 at Studio 12 paints Santa- year round. Kerry Raskin, also known as Mama Wave, founder of Duck’s Wave Pizza Café, not only slipcasts each Santa figurine, but she meticulously hand-details every one of them. To read more about her studio, Yankee Brushworks, check it out; https://www.yankeebrushworks.com

05/25/2026

New vendor for 2026! Handmade beaded jewelry by One Bead at a Time - the creation of our neighbor Christine, in Kitty Hawk. Every bead is hand strung, every piece is original. Really special addition to your wardrobe!