Exhibitions and Shop: Tue - Sat; 10 am - 5 pm | Studio Barn:  Mon - Sat 10 - 5; Sun noon - 5 pm |  828-526-4949 | Get Directions 

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.

  1. Register for a Workshop
  2. Create your username and password during the registration process
  3. Check your email (Don't see it in your inbox? Check your junk/spam folder and mark it as not junk/spam)
  4. Click on the activation link in the email and... Voila! You're good to go!

 

22
Jul
2026

3-Day Expressive Painting Workshop with Dmitri Wright

July 22, 2026 10:00 am - July 24, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Dmitri Wright
$500.00
3-Day Expressive Painting Workshop with Dmitri Wright

View the Supply List HERE

Join Master Impressionist Dmitri Wright for a three-day workshop exploring the expressive evolution of Impressionist painting, from observation to personal vision. Through plein air practice and artist journaling, participants will deepen creative insight and expand their artistic voice. Open to all skill levels.

06
Aug
2026

Sculpting Animal Vessels

August 6, 2026 9:00 am - August 8, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Katherine Maloney
$450.00
Sculpting Animal Vessels

Join us for an immersive dive into learning how to transform your pots into sculptural animal vessels! Using techniques of throwing and hand-building, students will form vessels that incorporate animal figures by sculpting, carving, and alteration. Instruction will cover basic sculpting techniques such as the hollowing method and how to give the animals expression and defining characteristics such as eyes, ears, and motion. Katie will work individually with each student to help create a pleasing composition, structural integrity and visual interest in their artworks. Class will also include guidance about different ways to glaze and fire the finished work. A basic ability to throw or hand-build a vessel is necessary, students can be beginners at sculpting.

12
Aug
2026

Painting Flowers in Oil with Vibrant Color and Energy with Pat Fiorello

August 12, 2026 10:00 am - August 14, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Pat Fiorello
$475.00
Painting Flowers in Oil with Vibrant Color and Energy with Pat Fiorello

View the Supply List HERE

This three-day workshop with award-winning artist Pat Fiorello explores a loose, direct alla prima approach to painting flowers in oil. Through demonstrations, guided practice, and individual feedback, participants will learn to simplify floral forms, observe light and shadow, mix color, and use expressive brushwork. Designed for painters with prior experience in oil or acrylic, the workshop balances technical skill with a fresh, intuitive approach to capturing the essence of flowers.

24
Aug
2026

Head Games: Building Bold Sculpted Heads

August 24, 2026 9:00 am - August 28, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Thaddeus Erdahl
$550.00
Head Games: Building Bold Sculpted Heads

This workshop explores the creation of expressive, slightly larger-than-life ceramic heads that prioritize gesture, exaggeration, and surface over literal realism. Participants will work solid and with armatures while developing an understanding of structure, proportion, and intentional distortion. The course begins with a low-fire soda kiln experience, allowing participants to explore atmospheric surface effects that will inform their sculptural work. Designed for artists ready to push beyond safe forms, this workshop emphasizes focused making, problem-solving, and guided experimentation.

26
Aug
2026

Learn to Turn I: An Intro to Woodturning with John Tagliarini

August 26, 2026 9:00 am - August 28, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): John Tagliarini
$475.00
Learn to Turn I: An Intro to Woodturning with John Tagliarini

Students will make beautiful and useful turnings using the three basic cuts of woodturning with gouges. We will begin in “spindle orientation” by turning a mallet, a tool handle, a goblet, and a twig pot. Then we hope to make at least two bowls, one with a round top and one with a natural edge. We will practice safe technique at the lathe as we also learn to sharpen the gouges using various jigs and tables.

01
Sep
2026

Encaustics with Sue Fazio

September 1, 2026 10:00 am - September 4, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Sue Fazio
$475.00
Encaustics with Sue Fazio

View the Supply List HERE

Encaustics will fire up your creative soul! Just imagine being able to play with melting colors—- layer after layer until you finally recognize your masterpiece! This workshop is designed to help you loosen up and take chances… every day you will finish at least 3 paintings.. imagine that!?!? Some of you have taken all 12 years of this workshop and I welcome you back with a happy heart! New artists— be not afraid— this medium will allow you to create freely!

05
Sep
2026

Saturday Sojourn with Paint - Big Bloom Energy

September 5, 2026 10:00 am -3:00 pm
Instructor(s): Cath Connolly
$150.00
Saturday Sojourn with Paint - Big Bloom Energy

Celebrate Dahlias with a playful, beginner-friendly painting workshop inspired by the color and energy of dahlias. Using abstraction and expressive mark-making, participants will create a vibrant floral-inspired painting—no experience required. A fun, creative way to engage with the festival and explore painting in a relaxed, supportive setting.

This class is for anyone passionate about Dahlias and wants to capture this passion in a painting!

All materials are provided. You will go home with a painting!

10
Sep
2026

Arranging with Showpiece Flowers: Locally Grown Mountain Dahlias with Christy Curcuru

September 10, 2026 10:00 am -1:00 pm
Instructor(s): Christy Curcuru
$200.00
Arranging with Showpiece Flowers: Locally Grown Mountain Dahlias with Christy Curcuru

Learn how to use locally farmed flowers and foraged greens to create a large, lush dahlia-focused arrangement in a ceramic footed compote.

Artist and floral stylist, Christy Curcuru, will demonstrate how to arrange a large centerpiece while talking you through her design philosophy (structural principles, color theory, texture, shape and scale). Each attendee will receive hands-on guidance throughout the entire process, ending with help photographing finished work to cherish forever. If time allows, Christy will demonstrate how to work with other vessels you might have at home. Please bring a vessel you have questions about!  All other supplies included.

23
Sep
2026

Learn to Turn II: Woodturning Skill Building with John Tagliarini

September 23, 2026 9:00 am - September 25, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): John Tagliarini
$475.00
Learn to Turn II: Woodturning Skill Building with John Tagliarini

Take your woodturning skills to the next level in this intermediate-level workshop. Participants will expand their repertoire by learning pull and shear cuts while focusing on projects such as bowls, Christmas ornaments, and small vases. The class will also explore surface enhancements to add depth and character to turned pieces. Additional projects and diagnostic turning may include making a mallet or a tool handle.
This workshop is designed for students with prior turning experience who are ready to refine their technique and broaden their creative possibilities.

07
Oct
2026

Bowl with Lid and Finial Workshop with Pat Carroll

October 7, 2026 9:00 am - October 9, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Pat Carroll
$550.00
Bowl with Lid and Finial Workshop with Pat Carroll

This hands-on workshop introduces students to the process of creating a turned bowl with a fitted lid and decorative finial. The class begins with an overview of the studio, tools, and safe lathe practices, then moves into preparing and mounting wood and understanding grain direction. Throughout the workshop, emphasis is placed on good technique, thoughtful design, and achieving clean, well-proportioned forms.

Students will work through shaping, sanding, and finishing each element of the piece while building confidence and refining their skills. The class concludes with finishing options such as coloring or surface treatments, followed by a group discussion of the completed work and the ideas behind each piece.

This workshop is suitable for both beginners or those who have some experience woodturning, but are looking to deepen their knowledge and learn new techniques.

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Opening Hours

Exhibitions & Shop
Tuesday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm

Studio Barn 
Monday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday; Noon - 5 pm

Find Us Online:
      

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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)

Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)

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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

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 Funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at SouthArts.org.

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 Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC. Learn more HighlandsChamber.org