Kicker by Robyn Horn (redwood burl) on display at Penland School of Crafts
Visiting the home and studio of Michael Kline (featured in our previous post “Outstanding in any field: Michael Kline Pottery”) had many side benefits: pastoral setting, creative pottery, and a tip from his wife, Stacey Lane, about where to go next. It happened unexpectedly, but when you’re a traveler, you train your ears to pick up tips on what to see and what to do wherever you go.
Fine jewelry designs by Stacey Lane on display at Penland School of Crafts
Stacey mentioned that she was a jewelry designer who had taught at nearby Penland School of Crafts. In fact, she said, I have some jewelry on display right now. And it’s a short trip from our house. Just follow the curvy road from Bakersville nearly to Spruce Pine, and you’ll see it. (How hard could that be, right?) Well, here’s the GPS picture complete with switchbacks, abrupt turns, and that welcome checkered flag! Here’s good advice on Penland’s website: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, we strongly advise that you arrive before dark; it’s easy to get lost.
Conley Ridge Road in Western North Carolina — leading us to Spruce Pine!
We’d heard of Penland before — all in glowing terms — so a trip seemed in order. And the scenic drive was tailor-made for a late-summer day. We passed homes, barns, and tree farms before seeing the residences where more than 1200 students per year live while learning from renowned artists and craftsmen.
Mountains, trees, fields — oh, the beauty of North Carolina in summer.
We stopped at the Visitor Center to learn more: Penland began with the vision of Lucy Morgan who provided local women looms and lessons for creating beautiful goods. As an outgrowth of this movement, Penland School of Crafts was established in 1929.
Some people come to Penland as a retreat; others for inspiration and techniques. We were there to admire. And the artwork and craftsmanship speak for themselves.
Interior shot of Penland School of Crafts gallery
Just a few of our favorite things . . .
Another open space held a featured exhibit: Wendy Maruyama’s “The wildLIFE Project.” Larger than life heads of elephants made of maps, cardboard, and twine loomed above us making a statement about endangered species and the need for awareness around the world.
Constructed elephant head by Wendy Manuyama: The wildLIFE Project
But no matter which buildings and rooms you tour, you’ll take away something unique from your experience. Penland School of Crafts is truly worth the drive!
“Weed Pot” by Matt Repsher (Carved red clay and slip)
For more information:
Penland School of Crafts: http://penland.org
(Be sure to follow directions on the website!)
If you missed any of our posts in and around the NC Apple Festival, here are the links:
Main Street’s the Main Thing: Apple Festival 2016, Hendersonville, NC
Right to the source: Apple orchards near Hendersonville, NC
kelleysdiy
Love those elephants!!!!
Oh, the Places We See
Aren’t they fabulous! We just stood and looked up — I still can’t figure how they hung them on the wall or got them to Penland. But that’s just the fun of finding things.
kelleysdiy
Love them!
Kristen
I’m trying to figure out which one my favorite it. Oh well, i like them all!!! Good find! 🙂 definitely a trip for later!
Oh, the Places We See
We had a hard time picking out one piece to purchase. But in a matter of minutes, several decorators from Atlanta snapped most of the best pots. Oh, well. I’ll just have to go back, right? Thanks for commenting.
Kristen
Oh gotta love when that happens! But yes very true, also gotta love reasons to go back 🙂
Sue (Mac's Girl)
An interesting collection of artwork! I like the elephant heads.
Oh, the Places We See
Aren’t those elephant heads the greatest? Loved the variety of materials as well as the construction. You just never know what you’ll find at these artsy places!!!
prior..
artsy find and loved so much – esp the dancing shoes
Oh, the Places We See
The shoes were a fave of mine, too! So fanciful. And so fun. Never expected them to be made of metal!!!
prior..
I know – what a choice of medium – the care and detail is amazing,.
and the girl picking her nose – bah!
ourfrenchoasis
I adore the redwood burl. I so admire artists of all types, I wish I could say I was artistic, my children have inherited their grandparents genes which have totally bypassed me sadly!
Oh, the Places We See
I’m with you. I love looking at art, but not sure I could ever create something. But isn’t it fun to see what others can do?!
Curt Mekemson
Really like the elephants Rusha. And the GPS was amusing. It certainly wasn’t as the crow flies. –Curt
Oh, the Places We See
Loved those elephants and wish I had made Bert stand beside one so readers could get a sense of the enormity of the project. As to the drive . . . you might be pushing your bike uphill if you were on this one!
Curt Mekemson
That country can get quite steep, as I quickly learned when I made any detours off of the Blue Ridge Parkway! 🙂 –Curt
Judy @ NewEnglandGardenAndThread
I’m always in awe of such talented craftsmen. The shoes remind of Dorothy’s red slippers. 🙂
Oh, the Places We See
I loved those shoes. Not sure if I were making something out of metal that I would even think of shoes as subject matter, but it is so eye-catching! And fun!
hilarycustancegreen
The blue vase and the elephant heads were my favourites.
Oh, the Places We See
You picked great items to praise. The blue in that vase was dreamy, and the elephant heads were an unexpected find. So creative. And I can only imagine how they were shipped to the site. Thanks for taking a look!