PLAY! at The Bascom
In 2021, The Bascom celebrates PLAY! as its’ annual theme!
As children, we develop physically, emotionally, and intellectually by participating in the most liberating of activities, through play. Friendships are forged through play. We learn new skills through play. Even as adults, playfulness opens our minds to fresh creative expression, problem solving, and imaginative exploration essential to unlocking our best creative self. Join The Bascom in embracing play as our annual theme for 2021. Come play with us at The Bascom!
Contemporary Sculpture
- GALLERY: Bunzl Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: September 13, 2021
- THROUGH: December 30, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Sculpture
- GUEST CURATOR(S): Gregor Turk
What is sculpture? What is play? The final exhibition in the Bunzl explores what contemporary sculpture is and looks like and how the medium can best be utilized to visualize the notion of play.

Outdoor Sculpture
- GALLERY: Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: April 26, 2021
- THROUGH: April 30, 2022
- MEDIUM(S): Sculpture
2021 marks the beginning of an annual outdoor sculpture switch out on The Bascom Campus. Every year, we will select a handful of sculptors to install their work on our cement pads throughout our 6 acre campus.
Call to Artists: Outdoor Sculpture 2021

Photo Resident Solo Exhibition
- GALLERY: Joel Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Deborah Shannan
- ON DISPLAY: April 3, 2021
- THROUGH: May 29, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Photography
In its 5th year, The Bascom’s photography residency has grown as an essential component of the organization’s mission. Attracting photographers from across the country, this unique residency opportunity not only benefits the resident artist through a variety of professional development opportunities, but also serves the community through important education programs for local students and adults.

SKATE
- GALLERY: Bunzl Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: April 6, 2021
- THROUGH: July 3, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Various
- GUEST CURATOR(S): Didi Dunphy
Skateboarding is just as much an art as it is sport. The graphic arts have played an important role in the development of this once counter-culture to mainstream acceptance. Everything from iconic logos to the designs on the bottom of the deck plays an important part of the skateboarding culture.

FreeWheeling
- GALLERY: Bunzl Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: May 11, 2021
- THROUGH: August 21, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Various
- GUEST CURATOR(S): Knight Martorell
This special exhibition is presented in partnership with Highlands Motoring Festival in the Bascom’s Bunzl Gallery. FreeWheeling: The Allure of the Automobile in Contemporary Art, will feature works of renowned international automotive artists, including canvas, paper, and sculpture. Additionally, there will be a rotating display of extremely rare and special automobiles in the Gallery that are a testament to the concept of the automobile itself as art.
For more information:

Members Challenge: PLAY!
- GALLERY: Thompson Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: July 20, 2021
- THROUGH: September 4, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Various
This year’s members challenge is based on our 2021 annual theme: PLAY! Bascom member artists are asked to submit an original piece of art that they feel best encompasses what the term means to them. The members challenge is our longest running exhibition and this year marks the fifth year with juror selection.
Chamber Music Cover Art
- GALLERY: Joel Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: June 7, 2021
- THROUGH: August 5, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Painting & Digital Media
The Bascom is proud to partner with the Highlands Cashiers Chamber Music Festival and celebrate their 40th anniversary! Each year HCCMF releases a program of their events with original art on the cover. This exhibition will showcase all of those original art pieces.
Art League
- GALLERY: Joel Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: August 28, 2021
- THROUGH: December 31, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Various
The Bascom has played host to countless Art League meetings over the years. This year we aim to show off the talent that surrounds us on the Highlands Cashiers Plateau.
Craft to Art Series: Mosaics
- GALLERY: Thompson Gallery
- ARTIST(S): Various
- ON DISPLAY: September 18, 2021
- THROUGH: December 23, 2021
- MEDIUM(S): Mosaics
Our fourth installment in our Craft to Art series covers Mosaics and their history of use from wall decorations to modern fine art pieces. The Craft to Art series seeks to bring about discussion regarding mediums that have long histories in craft and a vital resurgent in fine art.
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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)
Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)