These rare Penland party pics were captured by photography students Jacklyn Grad and Red Herring. Grateful to their fellow students for participating in their portraiture work, the pair were inspired to create digital and physical images to help memorialize their shared experience.

Jacklyn and Red used newfound skills learned in Anthony Francis‘s portraiture workshop to create a photo booth and capture the new friendships and joyful exuberance of a Penland mid-session party. Studio assistant Adrianna Newell was also a great help.

Adrianna Newell, Jacklyn Grad, and Red Herring

Jacklyn and Red were excited to learn that instructor Andrew Certo and partner Rachel Levine (above) treasure a photo together taken over 10 years ago at just such a Penland party when they first met.

Penland’s two-week summer sessions include a mid-session party on the Saturday between weeks one and two. Always a fun time, these events are a great opportunity for students to blow off a little steam with some dancing and socializing. For Jacklyn, the photo booth was the perfect opportunity to post up “outside the party” where she could connect with fellow students through the gift of photography.

We hope you enjoy these lovely photos from Penland’s 2023 Session 2 Mid-Session Party. Thank you, Jacklyn and Red!