penland school of crafts

My wife and I spend the month of August near Mount Mitchell. One of our favorite day trips is the short drive to Penland School of Crafts. I first became aware of this school from a professional furniture-maker friend who took a class at this school in the 1990's. I've never taken a class (although as a serious woodworker, I would some day like to do so), I have received many an inspiration for my craft at this venue. For the day-tripper, I would recommend checking Penland's website to be sure classes are in session during your visit (avoid the few days when classes change). Walk around, peering in the studies to see teach and students at work in jewelry making, blacksmithing, textiles, bookbinding, woodworking, ceramics, etc. Have a tasty lunch at the sandwich shop that adjoins the main dining hall. Be sure to visit the studies of the resident artists, who will happily discuss their art and techniques. You may want to check out the craft store, that sells supplies for students, books and souvenirs. End the experience with a stop at the display of wonderful crafts for sale from residents, faculty and students. For the student, my take is that this school provides outstanding, short courses for the professional and serious novice. The quality of the products produced falls more into the definition of "art" than "craft".

Glass, wood, painting, book creation, iron work (great) artists at work. Gallery and video about the school enhance understanding. About hour from Asheville, NC, lovely setting, helpful folks. Cafe nice place for fresh, good sandwiches.

I spent one week at the glass studio here studying under an artist that I truly admire. I met so many wonderful and creative people from all over, including a woman who came in from Scotland.The location is beautiful in the mountains and it just comforted me in every way. Had a great roommate from San Francisco, and The Roost was a great spot on the grounds to stay.You captured my creative heart, Penland. I am hooked. I will be back!

The school was on our list of things to see while on our anniversary trip to N.C but upon arriving the confusion began with not being able to know where to park,some areas were marked with the name of the building and some were not. When we arrived at the gallery we were very pleased at the looks of it inside and out but the person that we asked for information did not seem sure of what there was to see on the grounds of the school other than the gallery and gave us a map and said it might be good to just wonder the grounds and see what there was to see. With map in hand we "stumbled upon" a building that we were not quite sure if it was a residence or open to public so we approached cautiously and were greeted by a very nice lady named Cynthia Bringle ,she owns the shop and lives there,she was very helpful to us,much more than the people at the gallery were and she set us straight on where to tour. We went to the "barns" where you can see the resident artist's work,there was only one person there and she stated quickly upon seeing us that there wasn't much to see,she was moving to another location. We did go to one other studio down a long driveway with two dogs barking at us and nobody ever showed up to greet us,felt like we were invading someone's space so we left. We ended up at a studio/gallery called the Barking Spider,it was just spotless and the owner was amazingly friendly and had some really pretty items,she gave us some ideas of other places to see and some great places to eat in the area. We enjoyed the two potters we visited with that day but as a whole we were disappointed with our visit to Penland School,maybe they should have more informed people placed in most visited areas and have the route marked better,very pretty grounds though to walk.

You will see outstanding art in an incredible environment. We visit every time we are in the area. Call ahead to schedule a tour of the School.

We visited the Penland School and a beautiful, sunny afternoon. The gallery is full of museum quality art and crafts. The video in the gallery on the history and philosophy of the school was very good. We walked around the historic campus and were given helpful information by one of the staff (or maybe she was a student).

If you're at all interested in the visual arts-- and are particularly drawn to crafts like paper-making, metal-working, or ceramics-- this is a must-visit. Visitors to Penland are not only able to visit the gift shop (chock-full of wonderful goodies made by artist-residents), but the ability to tour the studios and grounds (totally gorgeous, nestled in the mountains) is a wonderful treat. If you find yourself near Penland, take advantage and check it out.

Seriously, I had no idea how artistic this community was, but was I pleasantly surprised. If you come for the art, and you definitely should, please start at Penland. Penland teaches and supports the art community. Many of the local artists came to Penland from all over the world and settled in the area after attending the school.

After a gorgeous drive from Asheville, not quite knowing what to expect, we were thrilled to see the gallery and the very high quality of work on display. I visited with 3 sophisticated working artists who are familiar with crafts from all sorts of places, and they were very impressed with what was on display and with the very reasonable prices for high quality work. The staff was friendly and helpful. While the class buildings are not available for touring, one can drive through the grounds and peer into the windows and doors. It is an amazing setup. Well worth the drive. We enjoyed lunch in the school's coffee shop--sandwiches and drinks are available and reasonably priced.

Just to see the buildings is worth the trip. The campus is beautiful, the crafts are first rate and range from pottery and glass to fiber arts, papermaking, jewelry and painting. We enjoyed getting the chance to talk to students. Everyone is so passionate about their work.

Penland School of Crafts is a true gem in the mountains of Western NC! The school attracts top art professors and is located on top of a beautiful ,peaceful mountain setting. They offer a wide variety of classes and give locals a special discount. The gallery houses an incredible variety of art and it is not to be missed if you are in the area! Highly recommend a stop here or taking a class here..

A marvelous facility. The store is great - an artist friend said prices are lower than internet or big name stores. Unless a lecturer is speaking one can visit classes in progress and even chat with some of the artists. The gallery is fantastic - very high end, high quality art. The talent level is amazing.Footnote: On my first visit I lost my camera - called the school to leave name & number, later got a call that it had been found in the gallery. Another note: staff let me pick up downed sticks, cones and nuts on the grounds to a wreath making project.Summary: A wonderful place - not to be missed.

Penland should be on your list of places to shop for fine quality crafts from a wide variety of artists working in a range of media from papermaking to sculpture to jewelry to painting and beyond. I have never been disappointed by the creativity and quality of the work. I'm always pleased with the risks that the gallery takes; I love to see what new artists are doing even when it's not something that I would take home (even if I could afford it). Penland also offers a variety of classes for all levels of expertise so if you have an interest in learning to work in wood or ceramics or glass or watercolor...whatever...Penland has a class for you.

All of the artists are amazing. The only problem I ever have is not spending my life savings.

Beautiful creations by exceptional artists. Wonderful atmosphere.