By Age Group
The Bascom is working towards creating a more integrated and user-friendly experience for our visitors. Please read the following information to familiarize yourself with the process.
How does it work?
Whenever you register for a class or workshop online, you'll be prompted to create a user account during the registration process. The information you provide there can then be used to log in here.
- Register for a Workshop
- Create your username and password during the registration process
- Check your email (Don't see it in your inbox? Check your junk/spam folder and mark it as not junk/spam)
- Click on the activation link in the email and... Voila! You're good to go!
Youth Homeschool Pottery: Shadow Boxes
We will use nature as our inspiration while we explore form and texture in clay. Students will glaze their work during the last class. Work will be available for pickup or shipping two to three weeks after the final class.
Suitable for ages: 8-18
Youth Afterschool Pottery: Shadow Boxes
We will use nature as our inspiration while we explore form and texture in clay. Students will glaze their work during the last class. Work will be available for pickup or shipping two to three weeks after the final class.
Suitable for ages: 8-18
Breaking into Portrait Painting in Oils with Nicholas Thorp
View the Supply List HERE
In this hands-on workshop you will paint four portraits over three days to establish a foundation in painting portraits in oil. Three portraits will be painted with an alla prima technique, and one will be painted using the slower indirect, academic approach. This will give you a wide variety of tools to start you on the exciting road of painting portraits.
All Ages Pottery: Empty Bowls
Come help us make bowls for the annual Empty Bowls fundraiser, which supports the International Friendship Center and the Highlands Food Pantry. You will make a bowl to donate and one to keep for yourself. Student work will be available for pickup or shipping two to three weeks after class.
Suitable for ages 6 and up.
Transferred Layers
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to edit images, create screens, and print custom underglaze transfers for use on ceramic surfaces. Designed for mid- to high-fire clay, the process expands surface decoration techniques and introduces participants to screen-printed imagery as a versatile tool in ceramic practice.
All students will be provided with:
1 Speed screen screen printing kit which includes:
- 8-inch x 10-inch Speedball Wood Frame, 30W LED Lamp, 4oz Black Fabric Screen Printing Ink, craft stick, Speedball Screen Cord, Red Baron Squeegee, 3-Pack Speed Screens, black paper, (3) Speedball Transparency Sheets
1 newsprint pad
1 Speedball brayer
a wide variety of the available Speedball underglaze colors
1 silicone spatula
1 information and instruction handout
Resident Artist Series: Glazing Class
Bark to Basket Workshop with The Primitive Arts' Andrew Lee
This hands-on, one-day workshop takes students through the full process of creating a poplar bark basket; from harvesting bark from fresh logs to building and embellishing a finished piece.
Ages 18+. No prior knowledge of or experience with basketry is necessary. All Matierals and equipment provided.
All Ages Pottery: Wall Pocket Vase
Look-Think-Paint: The key to Creative Breakthroughs and Beautiful Paintings with John Guernsey
View the Supply List HERE
This workshop with award-winning painter and teacher John Guernsey emphasizes careful observation, thoughtful decision-making, and expressive painting. Through demonstrations, group discussion, and guided studio time, participants will refine essential skills while developing work that reflects personal intent. Open to all skill levels, working in oil or acrylic.
Intro to Watercolor II: Washes with Ease
Artists will have the opportunity to try their hand at watercolor, learning a variety of Watercolor Washes. Guided by your experienced instructor, Caryn Raming, this workshop is perfect for those who haven’t tried watercolor in a while, or those who are brand new to the medium!
All Materials are provided – just bring your willingness to learn. Come ready to paint, explore, and grow your skills in a supportive, creative environment.
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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