Kathryn Pannepacker

“I love the urban grit of life and the soothing coo of nature… Rallying from discipline, motivation, and pressure?! That's exhausting and depleting…no thanks!  Instead, I do my best to align with inspired ideas.” 

Kathryn Pannepacker is a textile artist who combines her artmaking with ritual and community engagement to uplift people. For many years – long before the trendy yarn-bombers began wrapping trees and telephone poles – she has been knotting yarn onto chain link fences  bringing art-for-all to often neglected neighborhoods.  She’s led workshops to make “healing blankets” studded with written tags expressing hope, prayer, regret, and commitment. In addition, Kathryn is a welcoming presence for those who participate in workshops that she facilitates, many of whom are victims of violence, homelessness, or addiction. She listens without judgment, creating a sanctuary of acceptance and mutual respect.

Before the-Covid-19 pandemic, Katheryn could be found at The Kensington Storefront as part of the City of Philadelphia/ DBHIDS & Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Porch Light Initiative, offering “Tuesday, Tea & Textiles.” Together with co-facilitator and artist, Lisa Kelley, and the help of many others, they created a studio workshop where all persons are welcome (with snacks and supportive resources shared!).  

Kathryn has received many honors and awards for her art and service to others but finds particular joy in collaborating once again with DVAA. In 1997, she took up residence and helped to breathe new life into the organization that’s been in existence since 1931. Her genius for community art installations and her dedication to social justice have won her admiration from every sector of Philadelphia society.

what big ideas have propelled your career?

“A big idea-personal truth-that has propelled my career over the years is to always follow my inner compass for joy and happy. Ok, so that might sound confusing in a time of despair, overwhelm and fear, but I do my best to be in a space of appreciating and listening to my intuition, to loving and respecting myself and others. I take gigs with this in mind. I love people; I try to see the essence and wonder of all people and life. Equanimity- I need solo studio time and community engaged art/loving people time- that balance works best for me. It's invigorating. I become a magnet for what I want. And then, of course shit happens, too. OO Life!”

Where do art and your discipline meet?

“Art and my disciplines (textile/visual/community) meet often via ritual and commitment. One of my mentors told me, 'if you don't know what you are going to weave, wind your bobbins; or what to paint or draw-clean your brushes, sharpen your pencils. Keep at it. It's ok to not know the next step- show up and make some movement toward what you're wanting.' I also find the practice of listening, whether it be to my inner guidance, or to another person, to be sweet, informative and uplifting toward 'what's what and next' of action steps. I do my best to align with inspired ideas rather than rallying solely from discipline, motivation and pressure. That's exhausting & depleting. No thanks. I love the urban grit of life and the soothing coo of nature.”

Biography:

Kathryn Pannepacker is a textile/visual/community artist living in Philadelphia, PA. She graduated from Penn State University back in the late 80’s with a major in English- Creative Writing/ minor in Art. Her studies continued with numerous intensive apprenticeships, nationally and abroad. She has done many projects with
Mural Arts Philadelphia and other organizations over the years with folks of all ages and backgrounds.
Kathryn exhibits locally, nationally and internationally, and has work in private and public collections. Via Mural Arts Philadelphia’s Porch Light Initiative at The Kensington Storefront in Philadelphia, Kathryn and colleague, Lisa Kelley, co-created an art/craft-making ‘sanctuary studio’ workshop series called Tuesday Tea & Textiles. Working with folks in active addiction, they believe that creating an environment of belonging, meaning and purpose is a critical piece in any ‘recovery model’ (not to mention in life and community!) as the nation scrambles for solutions during an epidemic of addiction and despair. Art as Harm Reduction! For many years, and still, she makes yarn ‘shags’/ art-for-all pieces on chain link fences for neighborhoods, often overlooked. Kathryn has received numerous grants including The Leeway Foundation’s Transformation Award. Her work has been featured on the cover of AMERICAN CRAFT and in many other publications. She offers hands-on workshops and presentations about art and social change. Kathryn is delighted and honored to be apart of this celebration; Da Vinci Art Alliance has a very special place in her heart, as back in the mid 1990’s she helped to re-invigorate it from it’s once sleepy state.