Gayla Penner

About Gayla Penner

Gayla Penner, an innovative fiber artist based in Salt Lake City, Utah, has transformed the traditional craft of wool felting into a dynamic painting medium, redefining how landscapes and other subjects are perceived through art. Born and raised in the expansive plains of Western Nebraska, Gayla’s artistic journey began against the backdrop of wide-open spaces and skies that have profoundly influenced her work. Her experiences in Denver, Colorado, where she spent a significant portion of her life as an art educator, provided the foundation for her artistic exploration and mastery of various mediums, including printmaking, sculpture, and ceramics.

With a Master of Arts in Museum and Gallery Management and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Art Education, Gayla’s academic background complements her artistic practice. Her art is a testament to her lifelong passion for education and creativity, having taught a wide array of art classes and studied under influential artists like the late Fred Myers. Her journey from the classroom to full-time creation allowed her to discover wool felting—a medium she has passionately embraced and elevated. Gayla’s wool and silk fiber pieces are renowned for their vibrant colors and textures, capturing the drama and emotion of landscapes and cityscapes, as well as still lifes and figures.

Gayla’s artistic repertoire is deeply inspired by her adventurous spirit and love of nature. Her compositions are imbued with the light, texture, and emotions of the places she has explored—from the majestic mountains of the Intermountain West to the serene coastal regions of the United States. Through her innovative use of the wet-felting process, combined with machine stitching and embroidery, Gayla creates pieces that are both visually compelling and tactilely rich. This unique approach has garnered her numerous exhibitions across notable venues such as the Core New Art Space and the Arvada Center for the Arts.

As Gayla continues to expand her artistic horizons, her long-term vision is to create fiber art that resonates with a broad audience, celebrating the beauty of nature and cultural narratives. Her commitment to developing a sustainable art business reflects not only her passion for creation but also her entrepreneurial spirit. With each piece, Gayla Penner invites viewers to experience the world through the vibrant interplay of color and texture, bridging the gap between traditional techniques and contemporary artistic expression.