HIGHLANDS, N.C.— March 12, 2025 - The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Billy Love as its new Executive Director. A longtime leader within the organization, Love has played a vital role in The Bascom’s growth, serving in various leadership capacities, including multiple terms as Interim Executive Director.
“Well known and respected across the Plateau, and a gifted leader in the nonprofit arts sector, Billy has been at The Bascom for more than a decade,” said Ann Wrobleski, Chair of The Bascom’s Board of Directors. “He has served as Interim Executive Director several times, and the Board is delighted to remove the ‘Interim’ from his title. The future of The Bascom is bright for many reasons, and under Billy’s leadership, it’s brighter still.”
Since joining The Bascom in 2014 as Adult Education Manager, Love has played a critical role in shaping the organization’s educational programming, strengthening community engagement, and fostering a collaborative and dynamic staff culture. His dedication to The Bascom’s mission is evident in his strategic leadership, which has prioritized fiscal responsibility, programmatic impact, and community partnerships.
“The Bascom has been life-changing for me, and over the past decade, I have remained committed to its mission, building both my professional career and personal life within the Plateau community,” said Love. “The Bascom is at a pivotal moment of growth, requiring strong, stable, and connected leadership. I look forward to the opportunity to collaborate with The Bascom Board and staff to realize our collective vision for the future.”
Love holds a Master of Arts (Art Education) from Western Carolina University and a Bachelor of Arts (Studio Art) from Furman University. He has also studied abroad in Cortona, Italy, through the University of Georgia. Prior to joining The Bascom, he taught K-12 Visual Arts at Tuscola High School in Waynesville, NC, and worked in higher education at the University of South Carolina’s Department of Theatre and Dance.
As The Bascom’s 40th anniversary unfolds, Love’s leadership will be instrumental in advancing the organization's strategic vision. Each year, The Bascom welcomes over 20,000 visitors to its free exhibitions, educational programs, and artist support initiatives. Under Love’s direction, The Bascom will continue to expand transformative programming, strengthen community partnerships, and ensure a sustainable future for this vital cultural resource.
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 and Communications
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts
828.526.4949
