Welcome to The Bascom
A Center for the Visual Arts in Highlands, NC
The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing. For more than 30 years, we've served as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina, and we continue to build on that legacy through our work and advocacy for the arts.
Campus
Located on a 6-acre former horse farm in Highlands, NC, The Bascom campus is home to exhibition spaces, classrooms, a nature trail, and more.
Exhibitions
Always free and open to the public, The Bascom's galleries are home to multiple exhibitions highlighting the work of artists in a variety of mediums.
Classes
The Bascom offers a wide variety of classes, workshops and other hands-on opportunities in an array of mediums for artists of all ages and skill levels.
Shop
Bring the work of a talented artist into your home with an item from the curated selections featured in our retail space or one of our pop-up shops.
Community
Providing high-quality arts programming and opportunities that are both accessible and affordable to anyone and everyone.
Support the Bascom
Your Home for Visual Arts on the Plateau
Our impact on the regional artistic community is significant, but we couldn't do it without the generous support of our Bascom family, who donate their time, energy, talents and resources to ensuring we're able to continue our mission.
Learn and Do at The Bascom
Classes, Workshops, Seminars, Lectures & More
The Bascom offers a wide variety of classes, workshops, lectures, and seminars for artists of all skill levels. Explore a variety of mediums as you learn from our talented staff, special guests and each other. Select an educational opportunity below to learn more and register. We look forward to seeing you!
Classes & Workshops
Lectures & Seminars
Special Events
Get to Know The Bascom
Welcome to The Bascom: a six-building, six-acre campus in Highlands, NC. Special features include an 87-foot-long covered bridge entrance; a 2,500 square-foot barn rebuilt for use as the ceramic studio; and a central three-story, 27,500-square-foot Main Building. In addition to the buildings and art offerings, visitors can enjoy the Horst Winkler Nature and Sculpture Trail with native flora, a pristine brook with cascading waterfall, and scenic views.
Annual visitors of all ages, ability, and socioeconomic backgrounds attend our free exhibitions, educational initiatives, and public programs
Visitors and regional residents reached through The Bascom's extensive outreach programs and educational opportunities both on campus and off
Working artists supported through our residences, retail sales, exhibitions and professional development opportunities
Annual exhibits in our three galleries highlight the work of local, regional, national and international artists in a broad array of mediums
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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)
Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)
This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Learn more at NCArts.org
Funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at SouthArts.org.
Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC. Learn more HighlandsChamber.org