Penland School of Craft, arts and crafts educational center in Spruce Pine, North Carolina
Penland School of Craft is an art school and artist residency in North Carolina's mountains that offers courses in hand-based techniques including glassblowing, weaving, pottery, metalwork, and woodworking. The campus features old farm buildings, rustic log structures, and specialized studios set within quiet natural surroundings.
The school was officially founded in 1929 and grew from Lucy Morgan's earlier efforts in the 1920s to teach weaving to women in mountain villages, creating income opportunities for them. Instruction from weaving expert Edward Worst expanded offerings to include basketry, pottery, and other craft techniques.
The school honors traditional craft techniques that have been practiced for generations in North Carolina's mountain regions. Visitors can observe daily work in the studios and understand how handmade skills like weaving, pottery, and metalwork remain part of the local culture.
Visitors can explore the grounds, visit galleries, and watch artists working in their studios, especially during public events like Community Day in March. It is recommended to stop at the gallery first to get a map and check current visiting hours, as not all areas are open to the public.
The school preserves Rustic Revival style buildings including the Lily Loom House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These historic structures stand alongside modern workshops, showing how traditional architecture has supported craft work.
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