Penland School of Craft

Welcome to Penland. We are a community of staff with different experiences and backgrounds, all dedicated to bringing an immersive craft experience to our students. We gravitate to a collaborative, equitable environment that supports us all to bring a high level of craft to our own jobs.  We are not all craftspersons, but we appreciate the results of a beautiful environment, amazing instructors, and a passion for making. We are the ones who are still here after the magic is over, picking up the pieces, planning for tomorrow, and enjoying today. 

Our Mission:  Making Lives Meaningful through Making.

Our Values:

Space & Time - We believe space and time are key ingredients to helping out Penland community thrive. Our beautiful location, studios, and historical campus inspire an intentional approach to workshops and programs.

Generosity & Connection - We believe close interaction promotes the exchange of information and ideas between individuals and disciplines. By cultivating a spirit of generosity, instructors, students, and staff forge lasting bonds.

Justice & Equity - We believe the future of craft and its societal relevance are rooted in achieving justice and equity. We are committed to addressing bias and building ways of working that undo systems in inequity and inequality.

Belonging & Transformation - When we seek inclusion of diverse backgrounds and experiences among our students, instructors, staff, and volunteers, we advance not only how the craft informs the maker but also how the maker transforms the craft.

Immersive Experience - Penland advances personal and artistic growth through creative practice. We deliver an experience that fully engages the maker, whether discovering a craft for the first time or seeking virtuosity.