For immediate release
January 17, 2025
The Bascom Clay Symposiums Return in 2025 with Two Exciting Events
Highlands, NC – The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts proudly announces the return of its celebrated Clay Symposiums in 2025. These dynamic events offer ceramic artists, collectors, and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore the transformative power of clay through interactive demonstrations, insightful keynote addresses, and an accompanying exhibition.
Postponed from 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, the 14th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium: Symbolism in Expressive Narrative has been rescheduled for April 11–12, 2025, while the 15th Annual Clay Symposium: Forms of Inspiration will take place as planned on September 26–27, 2025, coinciding with The Bascom’s milestone 40th-anniversary celebrations.
14th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium: Symbolism in Expressive Narrative
April 11–12, 2025
The Spring Symposium will feature distinguished ceramic artists—Christine Kosiba, Andréa Keys Connell, and Taylor Robenalt—specializing in animal and figurative sculpture. Attendees will experience artist demonstrations, a keynote address by Stephanie Moore, Executive Director of The Center for Craft (Asheville), and a public reception followed by a show and sale of the artists’ work.
These exclusive pieces, created by the participating artists, will be available for purchase during the symposium, offering a special opportunity for attendees to acquire unique works that are not typically available in The Bascom’s retail space.
Schedule of Events
Friday, April 11
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Keynote Address by Stephanie Moore, followed by a reception and show/sale of the featured artists’ works in The Bascom’s Greehey Atrium Gallery.
Saturday, April 12
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Artist demonstrations by Christine Kosiba, Andréa Keys Connell, and Taylor Robenalt.
• 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Continuation of artist demonstrations.
15th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium: Forms of Inspiration
September 26–27, 2025
The Fall Symposium will focus on figurative ceramic sculpture, showcasing the work of Kirsten Stingle, Natasha Dikareva, and Thaddeus Erdahl, each known for their innovative approaches to clay and mixed media. The keynote address will be delivered by Bethany Chaney, Executive Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School, followed by a public reception.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy the accompanying exhibition, Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium, where select works by the participating artists will be available for purchase. This provides an opportunity to collect distinctive pieces that reflect the artists’ unique styles and extraordinary craftsmanship.
Schedule of Events
Friday, September 26
• 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Keynote Address by Bethany Chaney, followed by a public reception.
Saturday, September 27
• 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM: Artist demonstrations by Kirsten Stingle, Natasha Dikareva, and Thaddeus Erdahl.
Accompanying Exhibition
A special exhibition, Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium, will complement the Fall Symposium.
Exhibition Dates:
Joel Gallery: August 30–November 29, 2025
Fall Exhibitions Reception: September 4, 2025 | 5 pm
This reception will celebrate The Bascom’s fall exhibitions, including:
• Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of The Bascom Clay Symposium
• Chatov: A Retrospective of Works by Roman, Constantin, and Marc Chatov
• Community Call: History of Highlands
Celebrating 40 Years of The Bascom
As The Bascom celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Clay Symposia exemplify the organization’s commitment to fostering creativity and building community through the visual arts. For 15 years, The Bascom Clay Symposium has brought together luminaries such as Ben Owen III, Michael Sherrill, Cynthia Bringle, Cristina Córdova, and Jim Connell. In 2025, this rich tradition continues, offering dynamic and inspiring experiences for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of clay.
Thanks to the generosity of Bascom sponsors, both symposiums and the accompanying Fall exhibition are free and open to the public, inviting everyone to participate—whether they drop in or attend the entire event.
About The Bascom
The Bascom creates visual art experiences that inspire and empower individuals and communities through seeing, thinking, and doing. Celebrating 40 years as a vital cultural resource for Western North Carolina, The Bascom continues to serve as a catalyst for creativity, learning, and community connection.
Media Contact:
Bianca Mitchell
Director of Marketing
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
828.526.4949
