Wrap It Up, Already: The Artist

Kathryn Pannepacker is a textile/visual artist living in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Penn State University with a major in English and a minor in art. Afterwards, back in the late 80's, for 4 years in Berkeley, CA., she apprenticed with 3rd generation French tapestry weaver, Jean Pierre Larochette and his partner, Yael Lurie, a painter and designer for tapestry. Kathryn then went to Aubusson, France to continue weaving as an artist-in-resident. She also had the opportunity to be an artist-in-resident in Hachioji, Japan, through the Japan Foundation.

Though still weaving pictorial tapestry, she also weaves with unusual materials. She is the former director of the DaVinci Art Alliance, and still serves on the board there. She is a rostered teaching artist for the PA Council On the Arts/ Artists and Education, Young Audiences of PA., and BuildaBridge. Kathryn serves as artistic consultant to 'some things looming', fiber arts gallery, boutique and stuidos in Reading, PA.

Through the Mural Arts Program in Philadelphia, Kathryn painted a 7' x 500ft wide mural called Wall of Rugs: the global language of textiles at Girard and Belmont Avenues featuring the textiles of 42 countries. Part 2 was just completed at Broad and Lehigh Streets.

Kathryn exhibits locally, nationally and internationally, and has work in private and public collections. She is committed to the transformative power of art in people's lives and the sustainability of such transformation by involving the community.

See her featured in the spring 2009 issue of AMERICAN CRAFT.

Kathryn's work:

FINDING HOME, a textile mural bringing light to issues of homelessness. Leading weaving workshops at safe haven/shelters throughout Philadelphia making the canvas for the painted mural. Mural Arts Program & the Dept. of Behavioral Health's Porch Light Initiative, Philadelphia.

Continuing the exciting studio via the Finding Home mural project that Kathryn and Leslie Sudock have had this past year as a collective of artists and artisans (with/home & home/less), the goal for the studio/gallery space at 626 South Street is to make, exhibit and sell fine art and craft items. The space is a studio, gallery & boutique showcasing the works of individuals who identify as artists and artisans, and some, sometimes stigmatized because of being homeless or in a challenging situation. The aim to bring visibility and dignity for all. For those who want to come and create in the studio space during the day and learn new skills, a nominal daily payment of one dollar is charged and a 'no non-sense' respectful, professional approach is equally applied to all.

To know Kathryn is to love her, her work, her heart.... Come see her exhibit on January 23rd and have an opportunity to meet this amazing artist.