A joyous celebration of craft, community, and all things Penland, the Penland Benefit Auction is our major annual fundraiser, supporting our mission of Making Lives Meaningful Through Making.
The 39th Annual Penland Benefit Auction took place on August 23 and 24 of 2024. Thank you to everyone who made the event a great success!
Friday August 23
- Please see the printed catalog for a complete, detailed schedule.
- 11:00 AM–5:00 PM, Penland Gallery is open
- 11:30 PM, Director’s Luncheon
The Director’s luncheon will take place under the tent and feature delicious fare prepared by the Penland Kitchen. Lucy Morgan Awards will be presented.
The Director’s Luncheon is by invitation only to Lucy Morgan Leaders and special guests. Lucy Morgan Leaders contribute $1,500 or more to Penland’s annual fund each year.
- 1:30 PM–3:00 PM, Reception at the Penland Gallery
View the exhibition The Weight of Wonder in the John & Robyn Horn Gallery and WEAR: Contemporary Jewelry in the FOCUS Gallery. Exhibition talk with the gallery director and artists begins at 2:00 pm in the Horn Gallery.
- 3:00 PM, Core Fellows Pop-Up Show
Meet our Core Fellows and see their work in the coffee shop.
- 3:00 PM–5:00 PM, Artist Demonstrations
Join us for demonstrations in the clay, glass, and letterpress studios.
- 4:00 PM–6:00 PM, Celebrate the Artists Exhibition, Silent Auction, and Cocktail Reception
Enjoy drinks and heavy hors d’oeuvres, view all auction art, and bid in the Friday Silent Auction. Mix and mingle with the artists.
- 6:00 PM–8:30 PM, Music, coffee and desserts
Saturday, August 24
- 9:00 AM, Coffee at the Barns
Resident artists welcome guests to their studios for coffee served in handmade commemorative mugs by John Quick.
- 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, Penland Gallery is open
- 10:15 PM–11:45 AM, Silent Auction
- 12:15 PM, Buffet Lunch under the Tent
- 1:00–3:30 PM, Live Auction
2024 Featured Artists
These artists embody the spirit of craft education at Penland. They represent a range of media, balance tradition and imagination in their practices, and have contributed deeply to the school.
We are honored by the generosity of over 200 invited artists. See the full list of contributing artists here.
2023 Penland Benefit Auction
Thank you to everyone who made the 38th Annual Penland Benefit Auction a tremendous success.
Read more about the event HERE.