Bringle Gallery showcases the work and spirit that have been a part of the Penland community for more than half a century. Cynthia Bringle (website, Instagram, and Facebook) first came to Penland School of Craft in the early 1960s to assist Bill Brown, director of the school. She and her sister, Edwina (website, Instagram, and Facebook), taught in the first of what are the school’s now legendary concentration classes. Since that time, the twin sisters have become Penland institutions.
Cynthia started as a painter, and that original impulse still influences her glazes and brushwork today. She makes functional dishware, drinking vessels, vases, and bowls, as well as sculptural pieces such as lamps and bathroom sinks. Vibrant and earthy colors work together with texture on much of her work. She’s made dinnerware for 4 generations of the same families and some customers have been eating off her plates for 45 years.
After retiring from teaching weaving and art at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Edwina settled for good in the Penland area. Her bold use of color in woven and embroidered wearable art and home goods has been distinct over her 50-year career. She works with a variety of fibers and dyes and enjoys coming up with playful color combinations. She has a variety of shawls, blankets, and tapestries on hand.
Visitors to Bringle Gallery can enjoy a showroom filled with Cynthia’s pottery and Edwina’s weaving and glass beads. Cynthia’s working studio space is adjacent and showcases in-progress work, historical work, and the trappings of a career that’s spanned more than half a century. Visitors are welcome to browse and purchase work as well as take in the sights and sounds of the working studio.
Hours: Daily 10 am-5 pm, please call ahead.