Penland Dreaming

This is the week when I'll hear whether I have a spot at Penland or not. (For classes that have too many applicants, they go to a lottery to determine who is accepted.)
On my first visit to Penland, I was struck by the number of people who were a bit on the fanatical side: "Oh, I come every year." I was already completely in love with the place, but I really couldn't see myself making the pilgrimage every year.
So I'm embarassed (a little) over how badly I want to go this year. I was just there last summer and there are so many other places I want to visit. It's just that they're offering a new class this year on the box as more than just container but also as in integral part of the experience of "opening" a piece of art. So Penland+boxes+Julie Chen (a great teacher)=Return?

Here's the class description if you're a box or book geek:
The potential of the box form as an expressive medium goes far beyond that of simple container. The box, through its design and function, can create an experience of discovery and wonder for the viewer, and can itself become a vital element of content. This class will take the art and craft of boxmaking to a new level of complexity, both technically and conceptually. We will explore the potential of the box form both as housing and as an integral conceptual element in artists’ book projects. Students will learn how to create complex hybrid box structures with drawers, multiple levels, and compartments. We will also look at strategies for incorporating text, image, and object into the box. Because this is a two-week session, students will have the opportunity to work deeply on the development of complex box projects.

Oh, and did I mention that I really can't afford to go this summer? Changing your life sometimes means a few changes in living style...which I mostly don't seem to mind. I almost hope I end up on the waiting list, just so I don't have to decide!