Chris Penry | Full Biography

Chris Penry began focusing her passion for the arts on hand papermaking in 1992. Since then, she has immersed herself in papermaking—honing her skills while becoming a papermaking instructor in her own right.

Chris has studied with: Sandy Bernat, founder of Seastone Papers, West Tisbury, Martha’s Vineyard; Dieu Donné Papermill, Brooklyn Navy Yard, NY; Melissa Jaye Craig at Peters Valley School of Crafts, Layton, New Jersey, Shannon Brock at Carriage House Papers, Brooklyn, home of the International Paper Museum—and with Jiyoung Chung, Visiting Artist at Guilford Art Center, Guilford, CT.

Chris specializes in the art form known as Pulp Painting, making paper with inclusions from nature, and in paper made from Thai Kozo— a fiber from the Mulberry plant.

In addition to her artistry, Chris has worked with North Guilford, CT’s Suncatchers childhood enrichment program for over 20 years, and more recently as a para at Melissa Jones School, North Guilford, CT.

The mother of two adult children, Chris is married to designer and writer, Brian Penry. She is also an
avid foodie and music lover.