Penland School Of Crafts

Visitors are always welcome at Penland. However, to preserve the intense educational atmosphere of our classes, the teaching studios are generally closed to the public when classes are in session. The Penland School Gallery and Visitors Center is our educational center for the general public. Because access to the studios is limited, we created this sales and exhibition center to give our visitors a look at work created by artists associated with the school. The crafts shown and sold at the gallery are made by current and former instructors, students, and resident artists. The gallery is open March through early December; Tuesday through Saturday, 10:00 am -5:00 pm; Sunday hours are 12:00 -5:00 pm. Visitors are welcome to walk through the grounds. Of special interest is the Craft House, one of the largest log structures in North Carolina. Tours of the campus are available Tuesdays at 10:30 am and Thursdays at 1:30 pm. Reservations are necessary; please call (828) 765-6211 if you are interested in a tour. You are also welcome to visit The Barns, which houses the studios of the Penland's resident artists: fulltime craftspeople who live and work at the school. Although the resident artists do not keep specific hours, you will usually find someone working at The Barns. The area surrounding the school is home to over 100 professional craft artists, many of whom have been associated with Penland. There are six independent studios in the immediate vicinity which are generally open to the public. There are many others in the surrounding counties which may be visited by appointment. The gallery staff can provide you with maps and information about these artists.