Call to Artists
Exhibitions, Education, Lectures, Demonstrations, Internships, Residencies and Retail Shop
Check back periodically throughout the year for updates on exhibition and program submissions.
ExhibitionsThe Bascom offers artists three exhibition opportunities: 1) a members show, 2) a juried exhibition and 3) In These Mountains. By March 1st each year, guidelines will be posted on www.thebascom.org.
- 10-15 high resolution digital images of your current artwork
- Biography with artist's statement (half page total)
- Resume with name, address, phone numbers, email, website address, awards, and list of publications, collections and exhibitions that have included your work
- Duplicate copies of all materials
- Addressed to: Sallie Taylor, Curator, The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 28741, staylor@thebascom.org
American Art Today: Figures
September 7—January 5, 2014 | Bunzl Gallery
Opening Reception and Awards Presentation: Saturday, September 7, 5-7 pm; Juror Gallery Talk 6 pm
This prestigious, juried exhibition features two-dimensional and three-dimensional works of approximately 50 artists from across the nation. The theme for the exhibition is “figures.” This year’s juror is Jonathan Stuhlman, Curator of American Art at the Mint Museum of Art in Charlotte, North Carolina. $5,500 will be awarded at the discretion of the Juror. Entries are only accepted through CaFÉ , www.CallForEntry.org, starting March 1, 2013. Entry deadline: July 13, 2013.
In These Mountains
November 16—March 2, 2014 | Loft Gallery
Opening Reception: Saturday, November 16, 5—7 pm
The Highlands Plateau nestled in the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountain range offers abundant inspiration to local inhabitants, visitors and artists of the area. The Bascom is pleased to offer The Loft Gallery for exhibition proposals, submitted by artists working in any media, living within a 60-mile range of our Art Center. Send exhibition proposal complete with title, description, artist(s) bios, images and any other supporting information to Sallie Taylor, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC, 29741. Entry deadline: post marked no later than September 30, 2013.
The Bascom Members’ Challenge: Whimsy
August 10—October 20 | Main Building
Opening Reception: Saturday, August 10, 5—7 pm
Each year, we are honored to showcase the talents of the artists who are Bascom members. This year, our members are invited to enter one work of art based upon the concept of “whimsy.” Works can be of any media with no size limitations. Please submit your work along with the Members’ Challenge Form.
Members' Challenge Form 2013 doc (125 KB) 
Members' Challenge Form 2013 pdf (248 KB)
To be considered for work as a contract art instructor in The Bascom's Adult educational programming, kindly submit:
- Description of the class or workshop content including media, theme, approach to instruction, hours per day, number of days, maximum number of students, your supply list for students, and any special requirements
- 2-3 high-resolution digital images of your current artwork and an image of you
- Resume
- Promotional tips. Will you notify individuals on your mailing list of your class? Will you post on your website information about your Bascom class/workshop?
- Address: Sara Hill, Adult Program Coordinator, shill@thebascom.org, The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC, 28741
Youth and Family Instruction
To be considered for work as a contract art instructor in The Bascom's Youth and Family educational programming, kindly submit:
- Description of proposed class or workshop content including media, theme, approach to instruction, hours per day, number of days, maximum number of students, your supply list for students, and any special requirements
- Examples of projects created by students under your instruction - no more than 5 high-resolution digital images
- Resume
- Promotional tips. Will you notify individuals on your mailing list of your class? Will you post on your website information about your Bascom class/workshop?
- Address to: Will Barclift, Youth and Outreach Coordinator, wbarclift@thebascom.org, The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC, 28741
To be considered for speaking engagements or art/craft demonstrations in The Bascom's educational programming, kindly submit:
- Description of the topic/media, content, time frame, maximum number of participants, equipment needs, and any special requirements
- 2-3 high-resolution digital images of your current artwork or images to be used during presentation
- Resume
- Promotional tips. Will you notify individuals on your mailing list? Will you post on your website information about your Bascom event?
- Addressed to: Jane Jerry, Executive Director, jjerry@thebascom.org, The Bascom, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 28741
The Intern Artist Program at The Bascom welcomes self-motivated, focused individuals working in clay. The primary basis for selection is the strength and quality of the applicants' work, dedication to the craft, and motivation to help the program grow. Interns must also have a clear objective for the time of their internship and willing to learn the standards for running a studio. The Intern will be provided an exhibition of their work along side the Resident Artist show. Click here for Intern Artist application: Intern Application (62 KB)
Resident Artist Program
The Resident Artist Program for the Studio Barn at The Bascom welcomes self-motivated, focused individuals working in clay. The primary basis for selection is the strength and quality of the applicants' work, dedication to the craft, and motivation to help the program grow. Residents must also have a clear objective for the time of their residency and be willing to live, work, eat, sleep, and breathe clay in order to be successful. The Resident artist will be provided an exhibition of their work. Click here for Resident Artist application:
Residency Application (64 KB)
To propose your artwork for inclusion and sale in The Bascom's retail shop, kindly submit:
- Portfolio of 10-15 high-resolution digital images of your original crafts or artwork (Note: The Shop focuses on usable objects: pottery, blown glassware, purses, scarves, journals, jewelry, etc.)
- Biography with artist's statement (half page total). Comment on price range of your work.
- Resume with name, address, phone numbers, email and website address
- A list of galleries and retail outlets that feature your work
- Addressed to: Leila Griffith, Retail Operations Manager for The Shop at The Bascom, lgriffith@thebascom.org or Anne Barrette, Retail Operations Manager for The Shop at The Bascom, abarrette@thebascom.org, 323 Franklin Road, Highlands, NC 28741.
In an effort to avoid saturating the local market with a narrow selection of artwork, The Bascom reserves the right to avoid stocking or presenting objects sold in other local Highlands, NC venues, e.g. area galleries.
Mission: To enhance the quality of life through dynamic, inspirational and transformational art experiences.
Vision: The art center provides relevant experiences through:
- Diverse exhibitions with broad appeal and multiple entry points for learning
- Showcasing quality collections through innovative exhibitions and programs
- Serve as a cultural hub for the community
- Inventive outreach programs
- Accessible open studio time
- Support of regional artists
- Strategic partnerships facilitating economic growth
