Mitchell County is home to the world-renowned Penland School of Crafts, where you can take a tour of the campus and studios or better yet, sign up for one of the Penland classes and explore your own creativity in a one week or an eight week workshop.
The Penland Gallery and Visitors Center is one of the finest showcases for contemporary craft in the Southeast. Attracting thousands of visitors each year, the gallery exhibits and sells work by current and former Penland instructors, resident artists, and former students from around the country.
A knowledgeable staff provides information about the school’s programs, the artists, and studios in the area. The John & Robyn Horn Gallery, Lucy Morgan Gallery, and the educational Visitors Center Gallery provide a remarkable destination for visitors to Penland School and the surrounding arts community.
Founded by Lucy Morgan in 1923, Penland has grown to encompass 400 acres and over 40 structures. Penland School has an annual hands-on community open house each March when you can make your own handmade treasure to take home and hosts several scholarship auctions throughout the year featuring the works of both students and faculty. Check our events calendar for the August date of the annual Benefit Auction at Penland and other scholarship auctions throughout the year.
Public Tours of Penland are now offered as self-guided tours. You can learn more about the self-guided tour by stopping in the Gallery or downloading the tour guide.
Dining at Penland
There is a wonderful Penland Coffeehouse on campus which is open to the public. They serve hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, and sweets. They are open Monday – Saturday 9 AM – 4 PM, Sunday 10 – 4 PM, with limited hours in the winter months. You can reach them directly at 828-765-1083.
