Welcome to PenArt!
Same creative spirit. A name that reflects who we are today.
Founded in 1965 by Chicago filmmaker and artist Madeline Tripp Tourtelot, Peninsula School of Art began as a welcoming place for creative exploration on the Door County peninsula. From the beginning, it was built on curiosity, experimentation, and a belief that art is for everyone.
Over the decades, that spirit has grown into a vibrant creative community. One that brings together artists of all ages and experience levels to learn, explore, and create side by side.
The transition from Peninsula School of Art to PenArt reflects who we are today and where we’re headed next. While our original name honored our roots, it carried an academic tone that felt more formal than the experience we offer. PenArt is more open, playful, and inviting, and better reflects the creative energy that fills our studios every day.
Shorter and more memorable, PenArt mirrors how our community already refers to us. It captures our belief that creativity isn’t defined by credentials. It’s driven by curiosity, connection, and the courage to create.
Registration for Workshops
Through Fall Now Open!
All Ages | All Media | All Skill Levels
PenArt has long been a creative refuge for first-time makers, developing students, and established artists to work and learn in community, exercise their creativity, acquire new skills, and explore fresh art forms.
Our visiting faculty consists of artists and educators who are the best in their field, bringing with them incredible expertise and experience, which they’re eager to share. In addition to learning from them, the collaborative nature of our studios ensures you learn from your fellow students, too.
Workshops & Classes
The Guenzel Gallery, our exhibition space, displays a rotating schedule of exhibitions of nationally-recognized artists’ work throughout the year. These exhibitions celebrate both in-process and finished work, with the goal of offering visitors of all ages insight into the artistic process and a fine art experience that feels just at home in the quiet of Door County as it would in a large city.
The gallery and opening receptions are free and open to the public.
Exhibitions & Events
Designed for artists of all career stages, PenArt’s residency is an immersive studio experience awarded to six visual artists each year. The program prioritizes time and space for artists to engage fully in their creative practice, experiment, and pursue new projects and ideas. For six weeks, residents receive a semi-private workspace in our Madeline Tourtelot Studio Building; access to our printmaking, digital, metals, and ceramics studios and equipment; housing, a studio visit with the visiting critic; and an opportunity to engage with the public through an end-of-session open studio event. In an environment that encourages contemplation, experimentation, and exchange, this program is invested in new modes of thinking and working in the field of visual art.
Time and Space Residency Program
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Great space to learn new skills and practice art with professionals.
-Vicki
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I love everything about this place. I drive seven hours from Iowa to take a workshop every summer or fall.
-Christine
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A gem. Beautiful grounds, delightful staff, really great classes and youth camps…not to mention a lovely educational gallery.
-Nancy
UPCOMING EVENTS
A regular look into the life of PenArt.
Tag us in your own PenArt experiences by using the #PenArtDC hashtag.
