Semester at Penland

Study away at a premiere craft school

The Semester at Penland program is a partnership with the Penland School of Craft to provide a transformational educational experience to Appalachian State students. Offered once a year, this unique program combines Appalachian State coursework with seven weeks of Studio workshops at Penland.

Students travel together in Western North Carolina for two weeks to visit with artists in their studios, curators in their galleries, museums and non-profit spaces, and collectors in their homes. After experiencing the regional art scene first hand, they spend seven weeks working intensively in one of Penland’s stellar studios with a master artist or craftsperson, gaining expertise in their field and developing the rigor and self-reliance required for their future professions. For the full semester, they participate in a cross-disciplinary seminar, building a depth of knowledge by writing about these experiences and connecting them to their studies at Appalachian.

This program is for students who are interested in seeing their work through a different lens and are looking for an immersive, eye-opening adventure. They take a deep dive into their studio practice, work in an amazing creative community, create lasting professional connections and earn up to 15 credits.

Application Information

Information Sessions

Wednesday, February 10, 6-7pm, East Hall, Room 125
Thursday, February 11, 11am-12pm, East Hall, Room 125
Friday, February 12, 11am-12pm, East Hall, Room 125

Applications Deadline

Applications for 2027 are due Monday, February 22. Apply via this Google Form. Form opens December 10, 2026.

Questions?

Contact Ila Prouty, program director, at proutyi@appstate.edu.

Close-up of a pizza cutter's mechanism, showing a spring, carbon fiber arm, and black sprocket wheel.

Frankie Flood

Two woven textile panels displayed side by side on a wall—one intact and neatly finished, the other distressed and torn with frayed edges and holes—highlighting contrast between preservation and decay.

Perfectly Burned

Alex Holst

Close-up of an open lined notebook showing handwritten notes, with text including “higher ridges on back,” “hip & back,” and “shoulders on top.” A black pen and a textured surface are partially visible in the background.

student adjusting placement of artwork before making print in printmaking class

Estimated Costs 2027

Most students pay approximately $2400.00 for this program, in addition to their Appalachian tuition. This number reflects the substantial funding we have raised to offset the cost for all students.

**There are additional scholarships available for students in the program. Please do not let cost prohibit you from applying. Reach out to the program director for a conversation about funding.

Program cost variables: studio choice, whether you participate in Penland’s work exchange program, and what type of housing you request.

Program costs for Fall 2027 will be finalized prior to registration.

Note: These numbers are estimates, and will be updated. To understand your specific costs, please meet with Ila Prouty.

A group of students gathers around sculptor Hoss Haley in his studio as he explains a metal sculpture composed of interlocking curved bands on a worktable, surrounded by tools and industrial equipment.

Studio Visits

Throughout the semester at Penland, students visit the studios of artists in the region. Hoss Haley, an Asheville-based sculptor known for large-scale public art installations, shows some things and discusses his process.