Annual Community Open House
The Community Open House is an annual event that opens the doors to Penland’s studios to more than 500 adults and children from the surrounding area and beyond, engaging them in free, quality, hands-on studio experiences. The event is a special opportunity for community members to experience Penland’s teaching studios, which are not often open to the public. Over 100 volunteers help make the day a smooth, fun, and joyful experience.
2024!
Thank you to everyone who joined us on Saturday, February 24, from 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Read about our 2024 event HERE.
Activities
- Clay Studio – Make a pot at the wheel or a small clay sculpture
- Glass Studio – Hands on lampwork bead making and hot glass demonstrations
- Letterpress Studio – Printing posters designed by students from MECHS Youth to Youth on the Vandercooks and Lego printing with homemade presses
- Metals Studio – Embossing designs of local plants and wildlife onto foil using wooden dowels.
- Papermaking Studio – Learn the basics of paper sheet formation and pulp painting while making fun paper butterflies
- Photography Studio – Make an original cyanotype print by combining patterns from nature, science, and architecture.
- Paste Painting at Ridgeway Building (across from the Penland Gallery) – Make a sheet of decorative paste paper using brightly pigmented paste paints and colorful sheets of paper
- Textiles Studio – Weaving! Make a small tapestry and watch a floor loom weaving demonstration
- Iron Studio – Work with one of our blacksmiths to forge your own wall hook
NOTE: There are limited slots for the iron activity. Time slots are assigned on a first come first serve basis. We will begin taking names at 12:45 PM. You must be present to make your reservation. - Wood Studio –Customize your own wooden magnet through shaping, carving and painting.
Video Tutorials
Please enjoy some fun video tutorials, created in recent years by close friends, neighbors, and staff
Artists Rickie Barnett and Lynne Hobaica show us how to make papier mâché masks using cardboard, paper, flour, water, hot glue, and a few simple tools. The materials list is here.
Penland resident artist Ellie Richards shows us how to make a kite from plastic grocery bags, sticks, and string. Materials list and instructions are here.
Repeat-pattern stamp printing with former textiles studio coordinator Sarita Westrup. Use craft foam, cardboard, and a stamp pad to make fun patterns on cloth or paper. Materials list is here.
Teaching artist Meg Peterson shows paste-paper painting, a method to make colorful paintings and durable, decorative papers. The materials list and paste recipe are here.
And as a bonus, here are two videos featuring Penland’s former baker, Alena Applerose, showing how to make two Penland coffee house favorites: gingerade (a refreshing fruit and ginger drink), and peanut butter cookies (these are gluten free!). The recipes are here. So dive in and get your snacks ready before it’s craft time!