Janet Penn

In graduate school at Tyler School of Art in 1993, I began to work with handmade feltmaking. Feltmaking was invented about 6,000 years ago in central Asia by nomads who used felt in all aspects of their lives: “yurts” (tent homes), boots clothes, hats, plates, saddles and even mobile doll-like household gods. Handmade felt has wonderful properties: insulates from heat and cold, keeps shape after blocking, does not fray, is colorful, can be washed and re-blocked, and is a fun medium for all ages.

Recently I have moved from 2-D (hangings & jewelry) to 3-D feltmaking, including handmade felt hats. I like to subtly blend colors by using different colors for the layers in the construction. I also add different yarns to the top layer to create exciting textures.

Bio

I received a M.Ed. degree in art education from Tyler School of Art. I have taught art to all ages, preschoolers through seniors. Currently, I volunteer with the “Vision through Art” program.

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My work has been shown at the Little Nook, area art centers, the Plastics Club, Sedgwick Cultural Center, University of the Arts, Tyler School of Art, and Woodmere Art Museum.