Our Saturday was a gorgeous day that started at 7:00 AM! Allison Spinks picked me up and we talked non-stop all the way to Penland, just in time to choose our very own thrown coffee mugs, fill them with coffee and stack our little plates with scrumptious breakfast goodies to include rosemary and feta scones! By the time we finished our coffee we had run into countless friends from the past, all with some Penland connection... First we ran into he Bringle sisters, Michael Sherrill, and even Jean Mclaughlin, Executive Director of Penland. Jean is the wisest, most intelligent, but warmest person you will ever meet. I first met Jean when she was Director of the NC Arts Council and lucky for Penland, she agreed to become the new director. She has taken Penland so far down the road that it has grown in size and scope, while achieving International fame. At the auction event, everyone is smiling, laughing and so excited to return to the warmth and excitement of Penland and old and new friends. The weather is fabulous as Allison and I head off on a unique adventure...the annual Penland August Auction.
Our visit which started at the Barns is where the resident artists have studios for a 3 year period of time. They work in iron, wood, mixed media, glass, etc. The work is stunning and cutting edge! Another special quality about Penland it is a place where "cross pollination between artists and their mediums" is immediately evident and exciting! Allison and I enjoyed trying out some of the unusual, fun and beautifully crafted chairs by Annie Evelyn. But I was most interested in the glass figures that had been cast in glass in several layers of colored glass by Dean Allison. .
Next we headed for the center of Penland to register and view the work available for both the live and silent auctions in Northern Lights. This was the 2nd day of silent and live auctions. The work of course was stunning! And we ran into Cat Lloyd and "Vana in training" Glory Day Loflin, as soon as we entered Northern Lights! After hugs all around we began to peruse the fabulous work just waiting to go to auction. Cristina Cordova's collaboration caught my eye instantly. It was gorgeous! The jewelry is always amazing and draws a huge crowd! I was also fascinated by a stoneware hanging chain. Then, right in the center of things, an enormous, powerful and darkly silhouetted elephant head by woodworker, Wendy Maruyama. I simply cannot say enough good things about the artist and about her work....Of course, we all love and want to protect the elephants of this world but often feel we helpless to do much except write a check but Wendy's powerful wood sculptures shows how an artist in any medium can do amazing work with a message that is so captivating that it can actually steal the hearts of those who experience it. It is the combined support of all these people who have been touched to their core who can create change in a multitude of different ways. This work has the potential protect special species, like the gentle and intelligent elephant...
Now is the time to head for lunch and the auction tent. There are round tables everywhere set with centerpieces of round red wooden circles. Each had a one of a kind small sculpture of captivating and amusing dogs, rabbits and goats brought to life by Margaret Couch Cogswell, daughter of Kitty Couch, sadly deceased but remembered by many...... Then Paulus Berensohn entered with a magnificent carved cane leading the way. Allison and I were honored to be seated next to Paulus who is Penland's Outstanding Artist Educator of the 2016, an incredibly special honor....Paulus is near and dear to countless followers and admirers. I personally thank Paulus for being role model, mentor and guiding force in my work as an artist and as a teacher....
After a gorgeous lunch, the auction started! All I can say is that there is nothing quite like the enthusiasm of these annual auctions at Penland. The audience is a beautiful and lively display of an eclectic group of art enthusiasts, collectors, artists, curators, museum directors, gallery owners, who are ready and willing to support the arts and the scholarship program at Penland. Along with the regular auction, another $138,000 was raised in a matter of minutes to complete the new Northern Lights Building. Even the delightful centerpieces were all pre-sold by 10:00 AM before the auction!
Wendy Maruyama's "WildLIFE project" was the focal point and intended to bring attention and help to save the elephants of Africa. Mauyama's work took center stage at the auction where it not only sold for retail but was donated to the Renwick Gallery in Washington DC! It was also the feature show in the newly expanded Penland Gallery which is absolute stunning. I have not stopped thinking about the magnitude of what Wendy is doing through this new work....
Allison and I had a difficult time tearing ourselves away Penland but the promise of a return to Penland in October where I will be teaching a one week workshop made it a bit easier. That week, I plan to spend more focused time on Wendy's WildLIFE Project. I think it will be perfect inspiration for the class I will be teaching....
I highly recommend making the dreamy road trip to Penland to see the new gallery space and experience this captivating show and visit some of the artists and their studios in the area....Penland has become a magnet for exceptional artists and it is so easy to see why...
Last but not least, I thank you Allison for agreeing to join me in this wonderful venture! Your company was a special gift of fun and laughter, deep thoughts, and great plans to make our year working together at CCES a great one! Alice
