Through Nov. 18: Exhibit for Penland's Fellows

Posted 10.2.12

Photo provided by PENLAND SCHOOL

From October 2 to November 18, the Penland Gallery features the work of nine core fellows of Penland School of Arts & Crafts, a national center for craft education situation in Western North Carolina. This nonprofit, tax-exempt institution offers one-, two-, and eight-week workshops in books & paper, clay, drawing, glass, iron, metals, photography, printmaking and letterpress, textiles, and wood. Additionally, artists’ residencies, community collaboration programs, and a gallery and information center are available to help people live creative lives.

Currently, nine full-time students live and work at Penland School of Arts and Crafts, as part of a two-year residency program. A reception celebrating their achievements is held on Friday, October 5 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

The Penland Core Fellowship Program offers emerging artists the opportunity to explore artistic interests and career possibilities in a supportive community. “These are gifted artists who also must be able to engage with a group living situation and take on important responsibilities for the school,” explains Robin Dreyer of Penland.

The application process is very selective with over 100 applicants vying for 4-5 slots per year. The program takes advantage of Penland's ever-changing, interdisciplinary learning environment and encourages students to develop their studio work while studying with top instructors in various media. “Because the program gives them access to so many different media, most core fellows use it as an exploration,” he adds. “We see people who have great technical skill in one area … applying their aesthetic and design skills to another area.” These “fascinating” and “dazzling” results are highlighted at the annual exhibition.

Additionally, the Penland Gallery sells work in all craft media made by the students, instructors, and resident artists of Penland School of Crafts. For over 20 years, this annual exhibit showcases the work of these core fellows. The show alternates between the Penland Gallery and the school’s social hall, which is a much larger space.

Penland receipts support from the North Carolina Arts Council, an agency funded by the State of North Carolina and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.

In this photo, Seth Gould has constructed a clever made of steel, brass, and bone. The handle reads, “Non si butta via niente” or “throw nothing away,” an important mantra for these creative students.

The Penland School of Arts & Crafts Gallery is located on the Penland School Campus at 3135 Conley Ridge Road in Penland. For more information, visit online at penland.org or call 828.765.6211. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is closed Mondays.