Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Tryon Arts & Crafts School recently announced the inauguration of the “Penland Pottery Pilgrimage,” an enriching field trip set to unravel the artistic marvels of Penland and Spruce Pine, N.C., on May 4.

TACS will lead a day trip into the heart of North Carolina’s craft community, exploring the rich heritage of pottery and ceramic arts alongside some of the nation’s most revered craftspeople. This immersive journey features studio visits, a docent-led tour, opportunities to engage with artists, and shopping for handcrafted ceramic artworks – all while supporting TACS’ Clay Studio’s capital campaign for an expanded kiln room. 

Featured tour stops will include Julie Wiggins Studio, Teresa Pietsch Studio, Penland School of Craft, Bandana Pottery and Courtney Martin’s studio.

Julie Wiggins makes porcelain pots for the home in Bakersville, NC. She is a flower lover, beauty hunter, and explorer of things that make the heart sing. Teresa Pietsch creates one-of-a-kind, functional pottery decorated with images from the natural world around her. She uses several processes to decorate each piece including a mono-print slip transfer method.

The trip will also include a tour of the world-renowned Penland School of Craft, beginning at the prestigious Penland Gallery. Participants will explore Penland’s historic campus nestled in the mountains and learn about its century-old tradition of fostering creativity and innovation in the craft and fine arts worlds.

Bandana Pottery is run by Michael Hunt and Naomi Daglish, who live and work in the mountains of N.C. Using many local materials, they collaborate in making utilitarian pottery, figurative sculptures and large jars. And Courtney Martin, a studio potter in the mountains of N.C., makes pots from N.C. clay fired in her wood kiln and meant for daily use.

To learn more and to secure a place on this unforgettable expedition, visit Tryon Arts & Crafts School’s website at https://tryonartsandcrafts.org/penland-pottery-pilgrimage/.

 

Submitted by Will Barclift