The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts

The Bascom: Center for the Visual Arts

Nestled in the scenic mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts stands as a vibrant hub for creativity, community, and cultural enrichment. With a rich history and a commitment to fostering artistic expression, The Bascom offers an inspiring destination for art enthusiasts and visitors alike.

A Legacy of Artistic Vision

The Bascom's origins trace back to 1983 when artist Watson Barratt envisioned a permanent gallery in Highlands to showcase regional art. This vision materialized as the Bascom-Louise Gallery, initially housed in a single room within the Hudson Library. In 2009, The Bascom expanded to its current six-acre campus, transforming a former horse farm into a dynamic center for the visual arts.

Exhibitions That Inspire

The Bascom hosts a diverse array of exhibitions, highlighting works from local, regional, national, and international artists.Current exhibitions include:

• Inspiring and Empowering: A Journey Through The Bascom's Exhibition Legacy (Bunzl Gallery, through August 9, 2025): A retrospective celebrating nearly 40 years of The Bascom's contributions to the cultural fabric of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau.

• Rain Crow by Margaret Holland Adams (Joel Gallery, through August 16, 2025): A photographic exploration of memory, identity, and the natural world in the American South.

• Biennial Outdoor Sculpture Program 2024–2026: Featuring new works by celebrated local and regional artists along The Bascom's Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail.

  
  

Engaging Educational Opportunities

The Bascom offers a wide variety of classes, workshops, lectures, and seminars for artists of all skill levels.Upcoming workshops include:

• Mastering Plein Air Painting in Oils with Armand Cabrera (June 11–13, 2025)

• Look-Think-Paint: The Key to Creative Breakthroughs and Beautiful Paintings with John Guernsey (June 18–20, 2025)

• Watercolor for Beginners with Caryn Raming (July 12, 2025)

These programs provide hands-on experiences in various mediums, guided by talented instructors.

A Picturesque Campus

Situated on a six-acre former horse farm, The Bascom's campus seamlessly blends art and nature. The facilities include exhibition spaces, classrooms, a nature trail, and more, all designed to inspire creativity and community engagement.

Plan Your Visit

• Location: 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 28741

• Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10 am–5 pm; Sunday, Noon–5 pm

• Admission: Free and open to the public
  

Whether you're an art aficionado or a curious traveler, The Bascom offers a unique opportunity to experience the synergy of art and nature in a serene mountain setting.

For more information on current exhibitions, classes, and events, visit Bascom's official website.