Program cost depends on a few variables: your studio choice, whether you participate in Penland’s work exchange program, and what type of housing you request. The Art Department has raised funds to lower the cost for all Appalachian students.

• $8900.00 – Cost for Appalachian students, including quad housing and all meals
• Thank you grantors!
• $1245.00 – Cost for students who participate in the work exchange
• scholarship program through
• $1000.00 – Estimated other expenses (materials, studios fees, miscellaneous)

Additional Scholarships available for Art students and BIPOC students ($1000.00)

These numbers are estimates, and will be updated. Appalachian tuition is not included. To understand your specific costs, please meet with Ila Prouty.

What’s the big deal about Penland?

It’s hard to believe, but a prestigious, internationally known craft school has been tucked away in the Blue Ridge Mountains for over 90 years. The studios are world class, the instructors are masters in their fields, and the experience as a whole is life-changing. Just ask one of the Art Dept. professors – many of them have studied, taught courses, and attended residencies there.

How will the credits apply to my degree?

You’ll get up to 15 credits for the semester. In an advising session with Ila you’ll sort out how the credits apply in Degreeworks, and then connect with your individual advisor to confirm the plan.

So far, students in the BFAs in Studio, Art Education, and Graphic Design have taken this program. These courses can also be counted in the Art Minor.

For BFA Studio Art students, the courses apply in the following manner:

• ART 3830 – Penland Studio (1-9) Studio Electives
• ART 3840 – Penland Seminar (3) [WID] Equivalent to ART 3015
• ART 3850 – Exploring a Regional Art Scene (1-3) Related Areas

Should I apply for the work exchange?

This is something to think through carefully. Work exchange students work outside the studio, usually in the dining hall, for approximately 20 hours per week. This has clear upsides, and a few downsides. Benefits: Work Exchange makes the program very affordable, connects you with students working in other studios, and is an opportunity to practice balancing work in and outside the studio. Downsides: Your time will be somewhat divided with work shifts for a few hours on most days, the work is usually physical, which can be tiring on top of working in the studio, and your work shifts will reduce the amount of time you have to make your work.

Most people who did the work exchange felt it was worthwhile, but they might have chosen to be fulltime in the studio if they could afford it. Other people felt that work outside the studio helped them with pacing the intensity of their creative work.

If you are considering this, talk it through with Ila Prouty.

What studios can I work in?

You’ll focus in one studio during each session, and you’ll get to choose from specific workshops, which change each year:

• 1-week session studios: Iron, Letterpress, Clay, Photo, Printmaking, Drawing/Painting, Metals, Textiles, and Wood
• 6-week session studios: Clay, Drawing/Painting, Glass, Metals, Wood, Papermaking, and Textiles
• *Specific workshop descriptions will be listed in January.

Is this for the whole semester?

Yes and No. You’ll be at Penland intensively for 9 weeks. (2 weeks of travel plus 7 weeks of studio work). The seminar course will meet in a hybrid format for the full semester. We will meet online before arriving at Penland, in person while we’re at Penland, and mostly online through the end of the semester.

I’ve already signed a housing contract, can I get out of it for the semester?

Yes. Once you’re accepted, we’ll notify Housing, and you can get out of your contract. You will need to reapply for the Spring semester.

Can I leave on weekends?

Most weekends will not have programming, although you may never want to leave the studio! If you participate in the work exchange, your free time will depend on your work assignment. (If you have a specific event that you need to attend, it might be possible to trade work slots with someone.) It’s not possible to hold an outside job during the time that we’re at Penland.

Can I have my pet on campus?

Nope. But you could look into renting a spot off campus nearby. It’s an hour drive from Penland to Boone, and there are evening events and studio hours, so living in Boone while in this program isn’t possible.