Teaching

Teaching at Penland

Penland’s instructors include both studio artists and professional educators. We are looking for artists doing interesting work who are also excellent teachers with these qualities: a willingness to be generous with information, strong technical skills, good interpersonal skills, an ability to teach conceptual information. We encourage innovative classes, classes that advance contemporary expressions in various media as well as classes that incorporate or emphasize historic information and processes.

Please remember that most of our classes are open to students at all skill levels (including beginners) and we attract students of all ages, with a minimum age of 18. The spread of ages and skills is challenging but can make for exciting classes if the instructor is prepared to work with it.

Each year, about half of our instructors are people who have taught here before. The other half are selected from recommendations, applications, and direct solicitation on our part. If you apply, please understand that we get many applications each year.

Throughout the year we periodically review teaching applications for future programming. It can often take a number of years before there is a spot in our program for even the strongest proposal. Applications are kept on file for five years.

Once we receive your proposal, we will contact you if we need more information or have any questions. If a teaching slot that is a good match for you and your proposal becomes available, we will contact you. We schedule classes about a year and a half ahead of time. Please visit the workshops section of our website or look at several of our catalogs to get a sense of the range of workshops taught each year.

Thank you for your interest in teaching at Penland. We are always interested in learning about artists who can bring new perspectives to our programs.

Penland’s Educational Philosophy

Penland’s educational philosophy is based on these 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, honoring its origins, and constantly expanding its boundaries.

To Apply

We accept applications through SlideRoom. This platform is designed to help you easily manage your application materials, including images. It also makes it easy for us to access and review your application.

For application requirements and to apply online, visit penland.slideroom.com

 

Information about teaching Movement at Penland

 

You may direct questions to:

Courtney Dodd, programs manager
programs@penland.org
828-765-2359 ext. 1313

Leslie Noell, creative director
creativedirector@penland.org
828-765-2359 ext. 1313