THE BRINGLE GALLERY and The Blue Ridge National Heritage Area
Bringle Gallery showcases the work and spirit that have been a part of the Penland community for more than half a century.
Cynthia Bringle first came to Penland School of Craft in the early 1960s to assist Bill Brown, director of the school. She and her sister, Edwina Bringle taught in the first of what are the school’s now legendary concentration classes. Since that time, the twin sisters have become Penland institutions. FORMORE
Feature Artists in the Laurel of Asheville
Story by Frances Figart | Photos by Mercedes Jelinek
Few institutions of learning have shaped the arts in North Carolina like the renowned Penland School of Crafts. Among the influential figures who have in turn shaped Penland’s community and craft school as educators, mentors, artists and champions are twin sisters Cynthia Bringle and Edwina Bringle.
Born in 1939 in Memphis, the twins were the first children of Dr. Carey and Eva Gene Bringle. Cynthia, who is 30 minutes older, took an early liking to the arts, but the route was circuitous for Edwina. FOR MORE