Wood Media Group

Pentaculum is an invite-only week-long residency and retreat, held twice each year. The experience allows you to live and work alongside other artists from across the country in an intense week of creative energy and fellowship. The 2026 Spring Pentaculum event is scheduled for May 11-16, 2026.  

Pentaculum is specifically designed to provide artists with unstructured time and space to work alongside peers, friends, and colleagues. This opportunity provides an intimate atmosphere for meaningful dialogue and social activities within the school's studios. At its best, this retreat offers space for individual artistic growth alongside the opportunity to strengthen and build meaningful relationships within the art and craft field. You are encouraged to use this time in the way that is best for you - to complete a body of work, to start something new, or even just contemplative research and play. For a full week, all attendees in the Wood area of the Pentaculum have access to the Wood studios, Arrowmont’s comprehensive library for research, as well as fellowship with the other participating studios. You may use this time to make, explore, or collaborate.

The list of invitees purposefully includes individuals working in a wide range of practices and from different stages in their career. We have found that this diversity keeps the energy in the studios and on campus exciting. Participants live on campus and share meals in Arrowmont’s dining hall as well as may explore downtown Gatlinburg. The city of Gatlinburg is within walking distance from campus and is rich with attractions, restaurants, and one mile from the entrance to the Smoky Mountain National Park.