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Welcome to Penland's Benefit Auction Volunteer Site!

Penland’s 2026 Annual Benefit Auction is Friday and Saturday, August 21-22.

Volunteer opportunities are August 19-23, and earlier, August 14-18, if you are in session 7 or live locally.

Please fill out the volunteer application form.

Join the volunteer Facebook page. It's a good place for rideshares, connecting with other volunteers, and other information.

Bidding

If you want to bid on art or purchase a cynosure, Volunteers can register for a free bidder number here: Register Here.

The digital catalog will be available in June at Penland.org/auction.

(scroll down for arrival information, meeting times, and t-shirt decorating)

Arrival Information

Directions to Penland

When you arrive at Penland – go to VHQ (volunteer headquarters) and check in. VHQ is in lower clay, which is the red-roofed building above the dye shed (little log cabin).

If you arrive during mealtime, go ahead and eat at the Pines Dining Hall (tell them you are a volunteer), then check in with VHQ.

Here's a map of campus with housing, campus buildings & studios, and accessible parking.

All parking on campus is designated during the auction. Please ask where you should park when you check in at VHQ.

Volunteer Meetings are on the Pines Portico – if you are on campus, please attend them:

Thursday 8:45 am - our first real kick-off joyful meeting together
Friday 8:45 am - followed by a group photo
Sunday 8:45 am - for volunteers who are staying to help us wrap up

T-Shirt Decorating Party

A long-standing tradition continues! Join us for our annual T-shirt decorating party on Thursday evening.

Each registered volunteer will receive a Penland-designed auction T-shirt—your chance to get creative and make it your own. Feel free to bring your own embellishments! We’ll have a variety of supplies on hand, including sewing kits, paints, markers, ribbon, thread, and some bedazzling materials (though extra contributions are always welcome).

Decorating your shirt is completely optional—you’re welcome to keep it as is. However, please note that all volunteers are required to wear their T-shirt on Saturday.

Whether you choose to decorate or not, everyone is invited to stop by, enjoy the camaraderie, and keep Catherine company at VHQ!

Important:

If you are no longer able to volunteer or have a schedule change please contact Patrick Beggs, the volunteer coordinator, at volunteer@penland.org.

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