Top row, left to right: Brandon Lopez, Lisa Nguyen, Celia Shaheen, Lily Wilkins, Amal Tamari
Bottom row, left to right: Nicholas Malik, Grace Anne Odom, Kimberly Jo
Pictured above are Penland’s current core fellows. These wonderful individuals add so much to the fabric of Penland as they support operations and programming, explore different media, and grow as artists. At the opening of their current group show, Red Thread, Courtney Dodd, Penland’s program manager (and a former core fellow herself), took a moment to share some thoughtful and heartfelt words about these members of our Penland family. We are including them below:
Celia
Careful, meditative, a gentle wind carrying a thread from the past, weaving it to blanket the future. Thoughtfully quiet until the right moment and still full of laughter. Thank you for sharing your wisdom with us.
Lisa
A grin, a giggle and a shrug. Compassion without limit and a contagious smile. A sweet balance of mind and heart. You are a light that magnifies anyone near you. It is always a pleasure being in your presence.
Lily
A quiet confidence, inquisitive thoughtfulness. Once a house of thread and now a city of your making. Endlessly brave without ever raising your voice. Thank you for sharing your kindness with us.
Brandon
Funny, quick witted, a joke, a retort. Back on the grass, eyes to the sky, you have the feeling of a warm day. Carefeel and content, with the tiniest bit of FOMO. Thank you for being an endless source of laughter.
Nicholas
Loyal, confident, a quiet grin turns to laughter and I know you are near. Witch hats, dance parties, and constant eagerness to grow. Thank you for sharing your charming spirit with us, it’s always a pleasure.
Kimberly Jo
Ear to ear smile, excitement constantly adorned with beads and tattoos. Cowfolk, chickens, and well worn trucks nestled beneath the starry nights of home. We have so much to learn from your endless smile. Live long and prosper.
Grace Ann
Bold and bright, exploring and investigating. Making space for those around you, while standing firm within your own. Thanks for sharing your space with us and for keeping it real.
Amal
A sweetness, like summer and an ease of comfort like fall. I watch you bloom, grow, and have never seen your winter. Thank you for sharing your heart with us.
For those who have not been able to see Red Thread here at Penland, we are pleased to share this short video:
We are grateful for these wonderful humans and eager to see what they do next!
