Today, we’re visiting a gorgeous mountain destination where education meets art. From workshops to gallery spaces, and even a little coffee thrown in! This place has something for everyone. Welcome to Penland School of Craft.

This remarkable institution in the Blue Ridge was started by a remarkable woman named Lucy Morgan, who first came to Penland, North Carolina, in 1920. Her legacy lives on through this incredible craft school that welcomes world-class artists from around the globe for everything from extended multi-day workshops to multi-year residencies. And there’s a lot to explore.

We’re getting our start today by getting properly caffeinated at the Penland Coffee House. They offer a variety of hot and cold beverages, sweets, and light lunch fare – where the prices are reasonable… and the views are free!

After getting our drink to go, we embark on a self-guided tour of the grounds. You can pick up a map and explore at your own pace. From the 7 resident artists to the incredible classrooms. Just be respectful of the artists at work, and enjoy the beautiful buildings, exhibits, and the natural splendor of the campus.

After a short stretch of the legs, we land here at the Visitors Center and Gallery, where you learn the history of Penland and get a look at the current programming. Then the gorgeous and evocative gallery awaits.

This space features curated exhibitions from March to December, showcasing the work of current and former Penland instructors, resident artists, and alumni. You can enjoy the beautiful gallery, then view or purchase functional and sculptural craft created by over one hundred fifty Penland-affiliated artists.

If you leave the gallery feeling inspired, good news! The supply store right here at Penland is the perfect place to gear up for your own at-home artistic endeavors.

This non-profit full-service store is dedicated to serving Penland’s students, instructors, residents, and staff. And it has plenty for the amateur aficionado as well.

From the grounds to the galleries… the coffee to the classrooms and the overall artistic energy of the place… there’s something for everyone at Penland.