The Bascom
The Bascom provides a dynamic and inspirational arts experience that inspires and attracts residents and visitors through interaction with all forms of visual arts. Located in beautiful Highlands, NC, The Bascom offers a unique vintage wood, glass, and steel space surrounded with unembellished mountain views. Our in-town, six-acre campus is conveniently located to the area's various country clubs and is a short drive to Cashiers, Glenville, Sapphire, and Lake Toxaway. Larger metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Asheville, and Greenville are accessible as an easy day trip. With a mission statement centering on Education, Outreach, and Exhibitions, when you choose The Bascom you choose to become a partner in the visual art enrichment of the plateau.
Our Campus
Completed in 2009, The Bascom is beautifully situated on the former Crane Horse Farm. The main building is a Dewolf Architecture and Lord, Aeck & Sargent Architecture design: 27,500 square feet of museum-quality space combining the hand-hewn post-and-beam Ester barn with modern materials including stone and glass. The Ester barn was originally built in 1838 in Linglestown, Pennsylvania, where it served as a stagecoach shop until the 1920s. Later it was used in farming operations.
The old-growth pine floors in The Atrium are the original "threshing floor" sourced from several historic barns. The threshing floor was where the dried wheat was scattered and struck with a stick and leather beater. This legacy gives The Atrium's wooden floors the irregular nicks and warm patina visible today.
Our History
The Bascom owes its existence to artist Watson Barratt, who had the vision to establish a permanent gallery in Highlands for the display of works created by regional artists. His bequest made possible an exhibition space in the Hudson Library beginning in 1983. Creating such a space in a town of just a few hundred residents was visionary at the time, distinguishing Highlands as a progressive community committed to nurturing its local talent and to celebrating its natural assets. Over time, The Bascom developed into a not-for-profit art center and a beloved creative resource for artists at all levels, as well as the community as a whole. Its enormous success reflects the region’s passion for the arts.
The Venue
The Terrace
The Bascom’s covered terrace is available to rent for guest functions Monday-Sunday from 6:00-10:00pm. This area can seat up to 200 guests under the covered portion and more with additional tenting.
Our Rental Policy
Highlands is located in a temperate rainforest. The Terrace is a covered space with temporary canvas wallswith windows that can be lowered in case of inclement weather, this space does not have temperature regulation. Due to The Bascom’s non-profit status, political, non-wedding religious services, and merchandise sales by outside groups cannot be accommodated. Renting The Bascom’s covered terrace does not include the rental of any additional part of The Bascom’s campus, with the exception of our outdoor amphitheater on the Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail. During your event, caterers are welcome to use our main level catering kitchen and guests may use our main level restroom facilities. With the exception of the Greehey Atrium, all other spaces (galleries, administrative offices, and classroom spaces) will remain locked during all venue rentals.
Renting The Bascom's covered terrace does not include any other service aside from facility rental. During your event, The Bascom will provide one attendant to offer light custodial work and to lower canvas walls due to weather. The Bascom does not offer any services in moving or renting furniture, food service and decor items, party planning, or clean-up. For this reason, and to ensure that your special day runs effortlessly, the event coordinator must be on campus during set up, event, and tear down.
Pricing
Download our Wedding Package Guide Below
