Writing a review for Penland is kinda difficult for me personally. The Penland campus and…read morefacilities are absolutely gorgeous and amazing. The food is reallllly delicious and way better than I could've imagined, the school is overflowing with creativity and passion and the people are innovative and fun! On the other hand, the class that I took at Penland was extremely disappointing and the teacher did not inspire or challenge me at all. After hearing for years and years that Penland is an incredible place that will challenge you as an artist to the extreme and you will be totally immersed in an art experience, it was really quite disappointing to spend much of my class time bored and working on my own art that I brought from home because there wasn't much else provided for us to do. I'm not sure what sort of vetting/interviewing process they do for instructors as I've had a few other people who attended Penland in previous years tell me similar stories. Regardless of my negative experience with my class, I'm still giving Penland 5 stars because I could feel the creative energy flowing through this school every day and every waking hour. There are students ranging from 18 to 80 years old, some with very little experience and others professional artists. For the most part, the teachers are excellent and challenge their students. I visited the other studios almost every day for inspiration and to see what the other workshops were working on and I was blown away by the incredible work being made. There is a clay studio, painting and drawing studio, printmaking, paper, photography, metals, wordworking and textile studios. As I mentioned above, the food is, wow, soooo delicious. They provide three meals a day which are all very healthy, hearty and thoughtful. The kitchen staff are friendly, make sure all the foods are stocked, and do their best to provide awesome food for everyone, regardless of food restrictions. There are many different types of housing ranging from dorm housing with like 15 beds in one room to solo rooms and everything in between. Their beds are really surprisingly comfortable and I recommend bringing your own fan and an extra pillow. Although this campus is incredibly gorgeous, it is not very handicap accessible.

I attended a two week class here this summer. The campus is inspiring and beautiful. The…read moreinstructors were kind and seemed to have great interest in what they were teaching. There was art everywhere and combined with the perfect location (overlooking a mountain) it made it feel like a retreat. My biggest beef with Penland is the cost of classes. Not just that but how much room and board & food is. Most people are unable to afford $1600 for two weeks (that doesn't include food or a room) and I wouldn't have been able to had it not been for my doing a GoFund Me and my friends and supporters giving me money. I stayed at a B&B off campus in a room for $30 a night (Bakersville B&B, which I recommend!) I also did the numbers food and with their plan it was around $11-$12 a meal. Umm no thanks. It's convenient but if you're looking for a way to save money-bring your own snacks and go out to local restaurants. They are several just 20 minutes from Penland! Also, as a nonprofit founder I would've liked to get away from fundraising and large events but being at Penland didn't allow me to because they were prepping for their big annual fundraiser while I was there. It wasn't enough that I paid around $2200 for a two week class (class, food, board) but a few people came into our class to ask if we want to donate work to the auction. I'm sorry but no. I'd like to keep what I've worked really hard on and paid for to create. I appreciate this school is a nonprofit but at the same time they could offer more scholarships (I applied for one and didn't get it and no I'm not upset about it because I went and everything was fine), they could also cut costs of classes so more disadvantaged people can have the opportunity to attend. One main building was being rebuilt while I was there and the noise was extremely disruptive. There is no AC but we had fans in the studio-still pretty warm sometime. I was hungry for lunch and had forgotten my food and asked the lunch attendant how much it would be to eat lunch that day and he said $19. WUT? I also didn't realize there would be so many rules related to studio use. We had to sign paperwork and had to help clean up afterward. The studio assistant was only told that she could leave once someone had decided the entire space was clean enough. I don't think students attending a two week workshop need to feel so much pressure from an organization to donate and volunteer. I wanted to take a damn break but turns out that my breaks happened when I left campus and went back to my B&B and the surrounding towns. The studios were nice although one of the new studios had problems and I heard students weren't very pleased they do have a variety of classes. The quality of the teachers is outstanding and that's not in question at ALL. You will receive good solid instruction with highly qualified people.

Absolutely loved this experience! The owner was so kind and actually added an impromptu event for…read moreus because we wanted a spontaneous date night. She was super kind, fun, and experienced! Very encouraging. She even set the scene up cute with a little vase of roses in the center and gave us a double canvas so our paintings worked together as one. Definitely will be doing this again!

Angelia was great, she scheduled us last minute while on a weekend get away. We had the best…read moreexperience painting a difficult picture. She was funny yet provided great instructions while supporting us to be creative in our own way. I highly recommend, great atmosphere and obviously well experienced at teaching art to the most inexperienced individuals.

Heartily highly recommended!! Kristen is very talented -- her glasswork is beautiful, with fun and…read morecreative color combinations. She is also a beautiful spirit-- kind, generous, and welcoming. Even though her studio and kiln were resting for the hot summer months, she took the time to show us around the studio and talk about the process, plus invited us to look at a lot of her work. I fell in love especially with her hummingbird feeders and brought one home. I'm eagerly planning to return, including to take a class sometime this winter.

From the owner: I blow glass the traditional way, using locally-sourced materials. I focus on interior design and…read morespecialize in unique, one of a kind chandeliers, pendant lights and wall sconces. I teach one on one glass blowing classes at my studio. Come and get blown away with me! We'll have some fun together!

Such an amazing class and studio! Ms. LaDonna has so much to teach everyone and is such an amazing…read moreinstructor to young children. My daughter had the best time in her spring art classes, ending with an amazing art show and reception. My daughter loved it so much that she's signed up for 4 weeks of art camps this summer... designing, drawing, painting, clay, and all sorts of other medias. Thanks for bringing so much art and excitement into Johnson City and sharing it with these kids of all ages!!!

This studio has managed to expand it's artistic horizons far beyond expectation, not limiting…read moreitself to only one field of art, but embracing the vast variety of approaches toward it.

Excellent first time glass making experience. Very good instruction and guidance along the whole…read moreprocess. Collin was excellent to work with and made my vision a reality.

Stopped in to inquire about classes and to see the glass blowing and items for sale. Nice setup but…read moreonly a few people could fit up close and see the glass blowers at work. Person working the desk was not super outgoing but provided some information about classes.

I absolutely love this shop! When I travel to the mountains, it's a must stop. They have beautiful…read morepottery from talented locals. Husband wife owner team Adam and Molly are so sweet and down to earth. Great gifts and decor found here.

I just took a pottery class to make a patch work bowl. Adam, the instructor was informative and…read morehelpful. I finished early and he let me work on a second project. very fun afternoon!

True to the name of the store, unique pottery lines the walls and a back room has lotion candles…read more The building itself has classic country lines and a genuine tin ceiling. Browsing here is a one of a kind experience.

I totally love this place!! I've visited every year for probably the last 5+ years. It's a fun…read moreand unique shop with changing display of arts, crafts, woodworking, ceramics, jewelry, to whimsical pieces etc ... all from local artists. Prices vary from very affordable to what you might expect to pay for a true art piece. It's so worth the visit if you're in the area, you won't regret it!