Success Stories
Are you alumni? We’d love to for you to tell us what you’ve been up to! If you’d like to be featured on our website, please take a moment to fill out our questionnaire.
Linda Azar
Professional Crafts Jewelry and Metals
Class of 2013
Linda Azar is a jewelry artist and metalsmith living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She grew up in Saint Petersburg, Florida and graduated from the University of Florida in Gainesville with a BA in Architecture. While in school,…
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Karen Bell
Continuing Education Fiber
Class of 2007
I earned a BFA in painting and printmaking from Ohio University but became interested in weaving after taking a class in my senior year. I became a resident weaver at the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View Arkansas and also…
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Deanna Lynch
Professional Crafts Fiber
Class of 2014
Excite Exhibit; Mary Cornwell Gallery at HCC Blue Ridge Fiber Show 2014; North Carolina Arboretum (Winner of Penland School of Crafts award and 2nd Place in the Amateur Weaving Accessories Category) Studio Assistant to Heather Allen Hietala; Penland School of…
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Deanna Lynch Textiles
Professional Crafts Fiber
Class of 2014
History and Tradition My grandfather introduced me to weaving when I was 9 years old. Although I did not receive formal training for weaving until after he passed, I still feel a deep connection to him when I am at…
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Julie
Professional Crafts Jewelry and Metals
Class of 2010
I began my business in 2011, focusing on retail sales and commissions, and learning the ropes. I am now a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild and travel extensively to shows all over the country. I have also expanded…
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Shelby Mihalevich
Professional Crafts Jewelry and Metals
Class of 2008
Shelby Mihalevich graduated from the Haywood Community College Professional Crafts Jewelry and Metals program in 2008. He first discovered the program while visiting the Folk Arts Center on the Blue Ridge Parkway while on a family vacation. During their stop…
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J.R. and Kristen
Professional Crafts Clay
Class of 2006
Kristen and J.R. Page are husband and wife artists and craftspeople living in the mountains of Western North Carolina. We make pots together and we love it.
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Rebecca Porche
Professional Crafts Fiber
Class of 2013
Rebecca Porche graduated from the Professional Crafts Fiber program in 2013, just before becoming a mother to a beautiful baby boy. Rebecca's love for textiles was formed early on, learning to sew from her mother and grandmother. New loves for…
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