According to Penland’s website, this two-year work-study fellowship offers emerging artists the opportunity to explore artistic interests and career possibilities in a supportive artistic community while developing leadership skills. For this application cycle, 80 applicants from across the United States applied for the fellowship.

Before coming to HCC, Shimabukuro received a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art from Yale University. Most recently, she worked at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville in the printmaking studio. Growing up in Hawaii, Shimabukuro was introduced to art through a nonprofit organization. During this fellowship, she plans to explore new media while continuing to work in textiles.

HCC’s Professional Crafts program is a two-year commitment, focusing on all aspects of becoming an independent craft professional. In addition to sharpening their technical and artistic skills in their chosen medium, students also create a marketable line of production work, plan a studio and become familiar with the craft market. 

For more information about HCC’s Professional Crafts Fiber program, call 828.627.4672 or visit www.haywood.edu.