What takes place in Penland School’s educational studios is an intersection of creativity and generosity. Penland’s instructors are all makers – some are full-time studio artists, some have woven together a vocation that oscillates between studio and classroom, and others balance being a career educator with making. These artist-educators have all committed to openly sharing their skills and techniques, to lead and inspire, and most importantly, to be generous with their creative practice. The artists in the exhibition are all scheduled to teach at Penland this summer.
Penland’s educational philosophy is based on four core ideas. ~ Total-immersion workshop education is a uniquely effective way of learning. ~ Close interaction with others promotes the exchange of information and ideas between individuals and disciplines. ~ Generosity enhances education – Penland encourages instructors, students, and staff to freely share their knowledge and experience. ~ Craft is kept vital by preserving its traditions and constantly expanding its boundaries.
The artists in this exhibition epitomize the generosity of spirit required to excel at teaching. Participating artist Clarence Morgan was honored as the 2021 Penland School of Craft Outstanding Artist Educator. Along with his extensive activity as an artist, he has been a teacher of art continuously since 1978, first at East Carolina University and then at the University of Minnesota where he chaired the art department for six years and was the head of drawing and painting. Clarence retired from UNM in the fall of 2021. He taught his first Penland workshop in 1989, and he has taught here a total of nine times to date, most recently in 2014. We look forward to welcoming him back this summer.
The path to becoming an artist is rarely the result of a clearly defined plan and certainly not for the faint of heart. However, for those who make the necessary sacrifices and continue to be passionate about making art an integral part of their lives, the rewards are beyond measure. ~ Clarence Morgan
