In 2009 we began the tradition of the Penland School of Crafts Ornament of the Year. We like to think that these ornaments represent the spirit of creativity at Penland all year round.

Penland School of Crafts 2010 Ornament

Created by Jenny Lou Sherburne

Jenny Lou Sherburne is a studio artist and past Penland instructor who lives in nearby Bakersville, NC. She created this special teapot for our on-going series of annual ornaments.

I make mid-fired functional pots. The forms are playfully extreme and stretch the boundaries of function as well as the limits of clay. I make thrown and pinched forms that I stack, carve and augment and then glaze with bright slips and glazes. My inspirations range from garlic cloves to onion domes, from the Isle of Crete to the Land of Oz, from Antonio Gaudi to Dr. Seuss. I want my work to be imbued with an attitude of presence that is full of humor, vigor and joy. As I work I try to let go of old habits and assumptions, to let my intuition and enjoyment of the process guide me. After almost twenty-five years as a studio potter, I am still captivated by the belief that I can sustain inspiration through the pressures and tedium of day to day living. In this way my work teaches me about how to live my life.

Thrown and hand-built, white stoneware, teapot ornament, approximately 3 1/2″ high, with hanging ribbon and gift box.

$50 retail price, plus tax when applicable

Shipping – $5

To order:

Please call the Penland Gallery at 828-765-6211

or e-mail penlandgallery@penland.org

We except Visa, MasterCard, and American Express

You may also purchase a teapot in person at the Penland Gallery.

A very limited number of the 2009 ornaments are still available – please contact the gallery if you are interested.