Spring Visiting Artist

Each fall and spring, Penland invites a visiting artist to join us for one or two weeks to engage with Concentration instructors and students. This spring we are delighted to have two visiting artists.

Cristina Córdova

Cristina Córdova is a ceramic sculptor and teacher. Her awards include the USArtists Fellowship and the North Carolina Arts Council Fellowship. Her work is in the collections of the Renwick Gallery (DC), the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico, and the Museum of Contemporary Art of Puerto Rico. She has taught at Penland, Haystack (ME), Santa Fe Clay (NM), and Anderson Ranch (CO).

cristinacordova.com

Cristina will give a visiting artist lecture on Tuesday, April 2 at 8:15 PM in Northlight titled Manos abiertas: making from where you are. This event is free and open to the public.

“Many of the themes that ground my practice are rooted in the identity of someone from the Caribbean, from Puerto Rico. Amidst all the vantage points that catalyze creativity this one, time and time again, offers a clear stance from which images of weight emerge. And yet, having lived for years amidst the ebb and flow of Penland, this once impermeable identity now has softened boundaries that are in constant dialogue with all that is received and understood outside of the small, evergreen territory I still consider home. This lecture will speak to the influences that have shaped my creative practice and explore the emergence of themes tied to identity and displacement through the lens of figurative ceramics.”

Jaime Suárez

Jaime Suárez is a sculptor, ceramist, installation artist, set designer, draftsman, and teacher. His work has been collected by the Metropolitan Museum of Art (NYC), the Museum of Art in Colombia, and the Museum of Art of Puerto Rico. He is an associate professor in the school of architecture at the Universidad Politécnica de Puerto Rico.

Jaime will give a visiting artist lecture on Wednesday, April 3 at 8:15 PM in Northlight titled Clay Beyond Ceramics. This event is free and open to the public.

“Three experiences during the first year of architecture studies influenced my development as an artist: reading The Book of Tea by Kakuzo Okakura, a lecture by Louis Khan, and an investigation and paper on the work of Antonio Gaudi. An appreciation for nature and the passing of time, the inherent quality of materials, and the search for originality have shaped a diverse expression through clay which has extended to paper and concrete. Through the talk, I will share both conceptual concerns and techniques.”    

Fall Visiting Artist

Each fall and spring, Penland invites a visiting artist to join us for one or two weeks to engage with Concentration instructors and students. The intent is to add an invigorating presence to the session, enhancing the experience for everyone.

Tift Merritt

Tift Merritt is a singer and songwriter. In her nearly 20-year career, she has recorded seven albums of original material and earned a Grammy nomination. Tift is known for her short-story-style songwriting and her creative collaborations. She has shared the stage with bands as varied as Nick Lowe and Jason Isbell and was a member of Andrew Bird’s band, The Hands of Glory. In 2017, she designed a fabric collection for Bernhardt Design inspired by the guitar straps she makes with vintage ribbons. Most recently, she has been a regular contributor to the Oxford American, chronicling her tours with her young daughter Jean. The New Yorker called Tift “the bearer of a proud tradition of distaff country soul that reaches back to artists like Dusty Springfield and Bobbie Gentry.”

tiftmerritt.com

WOOD SUMMER SESSION 7
August 13–18, 2023

Harold Greene
Hand Tools First

The goal of this workshop will be to strike a balance between the use of machines and hand tools while creating aesthetically pleasing small wall cabinets. The practice of using hand tools—planes, dovetail saws, chisels, marking gauges, etc.—brings a certain joy to woodworking as you master the use and care of these tools. We’ll pay special attention to hand-cut dovetails, mortise and tenon joints, sharpening, and the adjustment and use of hand planes. All levels. 

Furniture designer/builder, founding member and teacher at Angels Gate Cultural Center (CA); exhibitions: City of Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery, Craft Contemporary (Los Angeles); several public art projects on the Los Angeles waterfront; work published in Fine Woodworking.

haroldgreenefinefurnishings.com | @harold.greene

TEXTILES SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Tali Weinberg
Material Matters

This beginning workshop will take a playful, improvisational approach to weaving. Students will learn to wind a multi-colored warp, dress a floor loom, and be introduced to the fundamental skills and tools of the medium. Through hands-on experimentation, we’ll explore how color, material, structure, and density interact to allow for infinite design possibilities, even when limited to relatively simple patterning. Demonstrations will cover balanced, weft-faced, and warp-faced weaves while introducing relevant color theory, fiber properties, and the incorporation of alternative materials. Students will go home with a series of small pieces or samples packed with information for future projects. Beginning level. Second-floor textiles studio.

Studio artist; teaching: California College of the Arts, Textile Arts Center (NYC), Penland; Illinois Artist Fellowship, Serenbe Fellowship, Tulsa Artist Fellowship, Museum of Arts and Design Residency (NYC); exhibitions: Dreamsong (MN), Praxis (OH), Center for Craft (NC), 108 Contemporary (OK); collections: Berkeley Art Museum (CA), Georgia Museum of Art; publications: New York Times, onEarth Magazine, Surface Design Journal, Fiber Art Now, Ecotone.

taliweinberg.com | @tali.weinberg

TEXTILES SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Nneka Jones
Storytelling Through Eyes

In this embroidery workshop, we’ll explore the art of evoking emotions through the use of color, particularly focusing on the image of the human eye. Taking a nontraditional approach to embroidery, students will learn new methods for creating a realistic eye using a simple color palette and basic stitches. A step-by-step guide will simplify the embroidery process using a painterly approach. Students will learn how to analyze a photo, color block, and blend color to bring their story and emotions to life. All levels. Third-floor textiles studio.

Studio artist; work commissioned for Time Magazine cover (September, 2020), guest speaker at 2020 Adobe MAX conference; collections: City of Tampa (FL), Tampa Museum of Art (FL), Florida Craft Art Gallery (FL), Ferman Center for the Arts (FL).

artyouhungry.com | @artyouhungry

PRINT & LETTERPRESS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Eileen Wallace
Ink, Paper, Wood

Using wood type and veneer, this workshop will develop a selection of letters, shapes, and images to create abstract compositions, modular designs, and/or text and image combinations. Wood type will be used for text but also to explore its potential to create patterns and shapes. We’ll cut our own designs in wood veneer, by hand and with the laser cutter, to be used modularly or in conjunction with wood type. The group will establish a set of individual and shared matrices that can be used in infinite combinations for broadsides and small prints. Instruction will include the fundamentals of letterpress printing. All levels. Letterpress studio.

Senior lecturer in printmaking and book arts at University of Georgia; teaching: Penland, Haystack (ME), Monson Arts (ME); exhibitions: Ink on Paper, A Letterpress Showcase (CA), New Impressions (WI); former Penland Resident Artist; curator of Masters: Book Arts (Lark).

eileenwallace.com | @eileenwallace

Letterpress Summer Session 7
August 14–19

Heinrich Toh
High-Rolling Monoprints

In this workshop artists and image makers who want to create one-off pieces will discover opportunities for working on paper with the layered monoprint. We’ll balance process and content as we build layers using color, composition, and imagery. We’ll cover various applications for monotypes and inked-xerox image transfers (paper lithography). We’ll explore materials and methods for creating depth and space between background and foreground with texture, mark-making, and brushstrokes. Incorporating pattern, shape, and personal imagery from your photographs or drawings will further define your personal aesthetic. All levels. Printmaking studio.

Studio artist; teaching: Kansas City Art Institute, Arrowmont (TN), Pratt Fine Arts Center (Seattle), Oklahoma Fine Art Institute at Quartz Mountain; exhibitions: Wing Luke Museum of the Asian Pacific American Experience (Seattle), Bellevue Art Museum (WA); collections: Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art (Kansas City), Albrecht-Kemper Museum (MO).

heinrichtoh.com | @heinrichtoh

PHOTOGRAPHY SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Karen Navarro
Pushing the Boundaries of Collage

This workshop will introduce materials and techniques to push the boundaries of traditional collage. We’ll investigate the foundations of identity through portraiture collages. Students may work with their own archive or found images. The workshop will cover cut-and-paste techniques, digital manipulation and printing, painterly processes, and image appropriation. Materials will be provided, and students are also encouraged to bring their own collections of ephemera: photographs, magazines, wallpaper, cardboard, fabric scraps, etc. All levels. 

Studio artist; exhibitions: Contemporary Art Museum Houston (TX), Artpace San Antonio (TX), FAR Center for Contemporary Arts (IN), Big Medium (TX), Klompching Gallery (NY), Holocaust Museum Houston (TX), Houston Center for Photography (TX); representation: Foto Relevance (TX); publications: ARTnews, The Guardian, Observer, Rolling Stone Italia, Photo Vogue Festival Italia.

karennavarroph.com | @karennavarroph

METALS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Aminata Conteh
Over, Under, and Through: Experimental Metal Weaving

This workshop will explore the possibilities of using weaving and basketry techniques with metal materials. Using copper, nickel, steel, and silver, we’ll create a series of small woven samples culminating in final projects that will take the form of objects, adornment, or a mixture of both. We’ll have daily demonstrations as well as discussions of the historical and cultural contexts of the different techniques. Most importantly, this workshop will include plenty of time for experimentation. You’ll be encouraged to play! All levels. Lower metals studio. 

Studio artist; teaching assistant: Haystack (ME), Arrowmont (TN), Maine College of Art; Center for Craft Windgate-Lamar Fellowship, SNAG Early Career Artist Award; residencies: Indigo Arts Alliance (ME), Arrowmont Pentaculum (TN); exhibitions: Salon Design (NYC), Zero Station Gallery (ME), UNE Art Galleries (ME), Cove Street Art Gallery (ME).

aminataconteh.com | @aminomnom

METALS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Tara Locklear and Francesca Vitali
LINKED: Wood, Paper, Pins

Dive into the world of nontraditional jewelry by focusing on wood and its pulp (a.k.a. paper). We’ll begin by introducing paper folding techniques and then move on to simple wood shaping with hand and electric tools. Painting and staining both materials will add color, and rapid-fire class exercises will get your creative ideas flowing. We’ll focus on the brooch/pin format and use basic metalsmithing techniques with sterling silver, copper, brass and stainless steel. And we’ll investigate pin-back mechanisms as well as linkages for integrating brooches as necklace pendants. By the end of the workshop, each student will create a group of wearable pins/brooches. All levels. Upper metals studio.

Tara: studio artist; teaching: Haystack (ME), Brooklyn Metal Works (NYC), Pratt Institute (NYC), Contemporary Craft (PA), Penland; exhibitions: MAD About Jewelry (NYC), Philadelphia Museum Craft Show, ACC Baltimore, Velvet da Vinci (San Francisco), New York Jewelry Week; collections: Racine Art Museum (WI), Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Mint Museum (NC); publications: Metalsmith, American Craft, Niche. 

taralocklear.com | @taralocklear

Francesca: studio artist; teaching: Pocosin Arts (NC), Museum of Arts and Design (NYC), Contemporary Craft (PA); residencies: Arrowmont Pentaculum (TN); exhibitions: MAD About Jewelry (NYC), Heidi Lowe Gallery (DE), New York Jewelry Week (NYC); representation: Baltimore Jewelry Center (MD), Pistachios (IL); publications: American Craft, Fiber Art Now, Vogue. 

francescavitalipaperjewelry.com | @francescavitalipaperjewelry

IRON SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Paige Hamilton Davis
Metal Works!

This workshop will demonstrate and apply basic forging techniques with a focus on sculpture. We’ll emphasize efficient work methods, simple tooling, and developing individual vision and design. Each student will be attended to and challenged according to their abilities. Bring your experience to Penland’s beautifully-equipped iron studio and make something new. All levels. 

Studio artist, designer; teaching: Haystack (ME), University of North Carolina, Penland; work in various collections including the Gregg Museum at North Carolina State University. 

paigehamiltondavis.wordpress.com

GLASS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Mike Raman
Pipegeist

This workshop will survey a variety of pipe forms, moving through the history of glass pipes over the past 30 years, covering both dry and water pipes, and taking note of how the forms have evolved. Although we will cover basic color application, our focus will be on shaping and assembling hollow forms rather than pattern work. Students can expect to leave with a greater understanding of hollow shaping and seals and a deeper appreciation for the history and significance of the glass pipe. Intermediate/advanced level: students must have some experience making hollow forms at the torch. Flameworking studio. 

Studio artist; teaching: Pilchuck (WA), The Studio at Corning (NY), DC Glassworks (MD), The Heat Base (VA), Tobacco Leaf Studios (FL).

@mikeramanglass

GLASS SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Jeff Mack
Hot-Forming Survey

This workshop will cover fundamental techniques of glassblowing, bit work, and hot sculpting. Demonstrations, focused projects, individual coaching, planning, and reflective discussion will help students build skills from any level of engagement. Central to the workshop will be practice making essential vessel forms and simple solid figures. Assignments will address important fundamentals for less-experienced students as well as nuanced technical hurdles that come into play for more advanced makers. Drawing on 30 years of problem-solving at the furnace, I will share lessons that will accelerate confidence and skill and help you take your hot-shop game to the next level. All levels. Hot-glass studio. 

Manager of hot glass programs at Corning Museum of Glass (NY); teaching: College for Creative Studies (MI), Pilchuck (WA), The Studio at Corning (NY), Toledo Museum of Art (OH), Oxbow (MI), Domaine de Boisbuchet (France); exhibitions: La Stanze del Vetro (Italy); Bergdorf Goodman (NYC); collections: Corning Museum (NY), Toledo Museum of Art (OH), Museum of Glass (WA); representation: Culture Object (NYC).

@kcamffej

DRAWING AND PAINTING SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

Dietlind Vander Schaaf
Encaustic: Layers, Translucency, and See-Throughs

This workshop will enable students to achieve greater clarity and translucency in their encaustic paintings. We’ll focus on building paintings from the ground up, covering what can be done directly on the substrate, between the layers of medium, and on the surface. We’ll discuss opaque and translucent color, how to create beautiful glazes, and working with various drawing materials: ink, charcoal, PanPastel, oil pastel, pencil, graphite and Pigment Sticks. Mark-making and writing exercises will help each student deepen their connection to their work. All levels. 

Studio artist; teaching: Haystack (ME), Arrowmont (TN), Castle Hill (MA), Snow Farm (MA), Zijdelings (Netherlands), Penland; instructor for R&F Handmade Paints; grants: Maine Arts Commission, International Encaustic Artists; exhibitions: Cape Cod Museum of Art (MA), Conrad Wilde Gallery (AZ), Fuller Craft Museum (MA), On Center Gallery (MA); representation: Portland Art Gallery (ME). 

dietlindvanderschaaf.com | @dietlindvanderschaaf

CLAY SUMMER SESSION 7
AUGUST 13–18, 2023

William Baker and Caroline Douglas
Slow Clay for Fast Times

This workshop will use clay work as part of an attentive exploration of what we might mean by mindfulness or mindful awareness. Students will explore creative writing, journaling, meditation, and movement, and how these techniques can ignite our creativity and enliven our mood. We’ll also explore elements of the flow state as an additional way of understanding our creative practices and our relationships to them. Daily clay demonstrations will include various handbuilding and wheelthrowing techniques. Stoneware clay; bisque-fire only. All levels. Lower clay studio.

William: studio artist; teaching: Odyssey ClayWorks (NC), Castle Hill (MA); exhibitions: Blue Spiral I (NC). 

williambakerpottery.com | @williambakerpottery

Caroline: studio artist; teaching: Santa Fe Clay (NM), Penland, and in Morocco and Mexico; residencies: Glasgow School of Art (Scotland), Findhorn Foundation (Scotland), Red Lodge (MT); publications: 500 Animals (Lark Books), Dreaming Out Loud: An Artist in Clay Rebuilds Her Life.

carolinedouglas.com | @carolinedouglasart