Our Mission & Fact Sheet

Serving the Public Since 1983

The Bascom, P. O. Box 766, Highlands, North Carolina 28741
828.526.4949 / www.thebascom.org

New Name

As of March 1, 2008, the organization has a new name, The Bascom, and new website, www.thebascom.org.

New Campus

The organization now occupies a newly constructed, architect-designed, three building, six acre campus at 323 Franklin Road in Highlands (Oak Street at Franklin Road / U.S. 64).

Mission

Vision

Inspire. Create. Escape. At The Bascom, children and adults explore and learn about art, both indoors and outdoors.

The Bascom provides a stimulating experience in the visual arts through high quality exhibits and educational opportunities. It will be recognized for increasing excellence in:
• Stimulating, diverse exhibits with broad appeal
• Comprehensive educational programs and experiences
• Quality collections emphasizing the arts of the Southeastern United States.
• Functional studios available for all levels of art ability, and
• Visible support for regional artists.
The Bascom is committed to fiscally responsible management of its assets and resources; and aspires to be a premier destination for residents and visitors.

Campus

The Bascom is finalizing a major capital and construction campaign. Its new quarters, the former Crane horse farm property in Highlands, NC, provide a welcoming, park-like setting. Here audiences of all ages and backgrounds come together and share art experiences and enjoy the synergy of art and nature.

Architects: Dewolf Architecture of Highlands and Lord Aeck and Sargent Architecture of Atlanta. The team included Ross Landscape Architecture of Highlands; Ferry, Hayes & Allen Designers (interiors); and Trehel Corporation (construction). Wayne Yonce was a consultant for the reconstruction of historic buildings.

Physical features include:

▪ Entrance: Will Henry Stevens Covered Bridge, 87 x 14 feet, dating from the early 1800s and transplanted from Warner, New Hampshire. It features Ithiel Towns’ lattice style.

▪ Main Building, a Dewolf and a Lord, Aeck & Sargent design: 27,500 sq. ft. combining a large 1838 hand-hewn post-and-beam barn with modern materials including stone and glass. Visitor and educational amenities include galleries, studios and classrooms, shop, reception and meeting spaces, and ample terraces.

▪ Studio Barn, a Wayne Yonce reconstruction: rebuilt rough-hewn barn complete with studio spaces, state of the art equipment and outdoor terraces.

▪ Ecological Features: meadows, gardens, forest, water elements, walking trails, sculpture installations and unblemished mountain views.

Community Support

Over 940 sources, corporations, foundations and individuals, have contributed over $9 million to date for the $11 million construction campaign. Fundraising continues for the new campus and a separate educational and exhibitions program endowment.

Volunteers

Over 300 volunteers help the professional staff and volunteer Board of Directors get their work done. These are year-round and seasonal residents who bring a variety of talents to the organization and serve in many essential capacities.

Upcoming Exhibitions

2009 exhibitions include The Three Potters: Bringle, Hewitt and Stuempfle; Helen Frankenthaler and the Color Field Painters; Moulthrops: Three Generations of Woodturners; Southern Landscapes by Lamar Dodd and Will Henry Stevens; Cat Chow: Beyond Fiber Art; American Art Today: Juried Works (juried by Dr. Annette Blaugrund, former director of the National Academy Museum and School of Fine Arts), and many more. Exhibitions are free to the public.

Classes and Workshops

Special Events

In 2009 special events include Collective Spirits wine festival, May 29-30; Mountains in Bloom garden festival, July 7-11; Bel Canto, September 14; and Autumn Festival, October 2-3.

501(c)3

The Bascom is a not-for-profit charitable entity focused on education.

Governance

The Bascom is managed by a 23 member Board of Directors chaired by attorney and businessman Bob Fisher and a professional staff led by Linda Steigleder.