The Bascom owes its existence to artist Watson Barratt, who had a vision to establish a permanent gallery in Highlands, NC, for the display of works created by regional artists.
The Bascom’s history begins with artist Watson Barratt, who had a vision to establish a permanent gallery in Highlands for the display of works created by regional artists. Watson and his wife, Louise Bascom Barratt, lived part-time in Highlands.
Barratt was a longtime supporter of the Hudson Library, and when he died in 1962, his will stipulated that once his estate was settled, the Hudson Library would receive funds earmarked for a gallery within the library. This dream was visionary at the time. Creating an exhibition space and permanent collection in a village of just a few hundred residents distinguished Highlands as a progressive community committed to nurturing its local talent and celebrating its natural assets.
Barratt's estate was settled in the mid 1980’s, and his dream became a reality. In 1985, construction of the Hudson Library utilized proceeds from the estate and included a dedicated space for the Bascom-Louise Gallery. During this time, there were small exhibits and classes in that one room and programming and dreams grew.
In 1999, the Hudson Library and the Bascom-Louise Gallery amicably decided to separate their operations. As an independent non-profit, the art center grew even more rapidly. It quadrupled its exhibit schedule over a six-year period, bringing in exceptional two- and three-dimensional work from all over the Southeast. Concurrent with this growth, the board started making plans to raise funds and build a dedicated own facility. Over the course of the next several years, funds were raised, land was purchased, plans were drawn up and construction began in 2007.
With a new name, The Bascom opened in May 2009 on the former Crane house farm property. The six acre park-like setting welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds to share art experiences and to enjoy the synergy of art and nature.
The art center today continues to be a creative hub for art lovers and artists of all ability levels, and for the community as a whole. Its success as an educational resource and tourist destination is a boon for the region, and over 1,000 individuals, families, and business have contributed towards The Bascom’s education and exhibitions programming.
