About Us

The Studio Story

The building seen above, has had it's own creation story. Back in 1993-4, this building was assumed by Ron and JoAnn Nicholls to house "A Second Glance Hair Salon". The salon existed and did business for 30 plus years, until 2026.

In the summer of 2020, Amy Nicholls (daughter to the owners) took a wee room in the back of the building for her private tattoo studio: "Beyond the Pale Art Studio".

Since 2020, it has been a persistent effort to convert the business from a salon to a working arts & crafts space.

This photo was taken August 31st of 2026 and it marked a big day as it was the culmination of so much work. All hands were on deck with this transition. Friends and family, all helped bring this vision to view.

Now, the building is ready to host it's next group of patrons. Ron and JoAnn still own the building but now their daughter will carry the torch in business. This location has meant a lot to many in the Sykesville/Eldersburg, area and the hope is that it will continue to serve the community... This time, with the mission to host connection, creation and maybe a bit of inspiration.

JoAnn Nicholls recently said this, "Whatever your child shows sincere passion for, encourage it, and fund it." 

Echoing the American Dream, this is a family business, with a main focus on local commerce. In an age where AI is claiming jobs (most sadly in the creative fields), this studio is digging in and staying REAL! We believe that no matter what tech comes along to do a job quicker and cheaper, the human spirit will always require expression. Making teaches and heals. Moreover, it connects.

People rarely gather anymore and more and more, our lives are set up to keep us separated. Families move states or even countries, away. Kids are going "No contact". It grows ever harder to own and maintain relationships. We think this is a travesty!

We're forgetting how to play and connect and it's wreaking havoc on our bodies, minds and souls.

As Joe Giordano (Amy's high school painting instructor) used to drill into the minds and hearts of his students (paraphrasing), "fall in love with the process! Don't focus on the product."

Joe's philosophy speaks to how to be happy. It's not about the goal, but the journey. We must fall in love with the pursuit of all we want. This studio, in all ways it can, looks to restore hope.

Let's see what we can inspire in each other!

God bless us always!

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