The Bascom is working towards creating a more integrated and user-friendly experience for our visitors. Please read the following information to familiarize yourself with the process.
How does it work?
Whenever you register for a class or workshop online, you'll be prompted to create a user account during the registration process. The information you provide there can then be used to log in here.
- Register for a Workshop
- Create your username and password during the registration process
- Check your email (Don't see it in your inbox? Check your junk/spam folder and mark it as not junk/spam)
- Click on the activation link in the email and... Voila! You're good to go!
Learn to Turn I: An Intro to Woodturning with John Tagliarini
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Students will make beautiful and useful turnings using the three basic cuts of woodturning with gouges. We will begin in “spindle orientation” by turning a mallet, a tool handle, a goblet, and a twig pot. Then we hope to make at least two bowls, one with a round top and one with a natural edge. We will practice safe technique at the lathe as we also learn to sharpen the gouges using various jigs and tables. |
Encaustics with Sue Fazio
View the Supply List HERE
Encaustics will fire up your creative soul! Just imagine being able to play with melting colors—- layer after layer until you finally recognize your masterpiece! This workshop is designed to help you loosen up and take chances… every day you will finish at least 3 paintings.. imagine that!?!? Some of you have taken all 12 years of this workshop and I welcome you back with a happy heart! New artists— be not afraid— this medium will allow you to create freely!
Arranging with Showpiece Flowers: Locally Grown Mountain Dahlias with Christy Curcuru
Learn how to use locally farmed flowers and foraged greens to create a large, lush dahlia-focused arrangement in a ceramic footed compote.
Artist and floral stylist, Christy Curcuru, will demonstrate how to arrange a large centerpiece while talking you through her design philosophy (structural principles, color theory, texture, shape and scale). Each attendee will receive hands-on guidance throughout the entire process, ending with help photographing finished work to cherish forever. If time allows, Christy will demonstrate how to work with other vessels you might have at home. Please bring a vessel you have questions about! All other supplies included.
Saturday Sojourn with Paint - Big Bloom Energy
Celebrate Dahlias with a playful, beginner-friendly painting workshop inspired by the color and energy of dahlias. Using abstraction and expressive mark-making, participants will create a vibrant floral-inspired painting—no experience required. A fun, creative way to engage with the festival and explore painting in a relaxed, supportive setting.
This class is for anyone passionate about Dahlias and wants to capture this passion in a painting!
All materials are provided. You will go home with a painting!
Learn to Turn II: Woodturning Skill Building with John Tagliarini
Take your woodturning skills to the next level in this intermediate-level workshop. Participants will expand their repertoire by learning pull and shear cuts while focusing on projects such as bowls, Christmas ornaments, and small vases. The class will also explore surface enhancements to add depth and character to turned pieces. Additional projects and diagnostic turning may include making a mallet or a tool handle.
This workshop is designed for students with prior turning experience who are ready to refine their technique and broaden their creative possibilities.
Bowl with Lid and Finial Workshop with Pat Carroll
This hands-on workshop introduces students to the process of creating a turned bowl with a fitted lid and decorative finial. The class begins with an overview of the studio, tools, and safe lathe practices, then moves into preparing and mounting wood and understanding grain direction. Throughout the workshop, emphasis is placed on good technique, thoughtful design, and achieving clean, well-proportioned forms.
Students will work through shaping, sanding, and finishing each element of the piece while building confidence and refining their skills. The class concludes with finishing options such as coloring or surface treatments, followed by a group discussion of the completed work and the ideas behind each piece.
This workshop is suitable for both beginners or those who have some experience woodturning, but are looking to deepen their knowledge and learn new techniques.
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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)
Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)

This project was supported by the North Carolina Arts Council, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Learn more at NCArts.org

Funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at SouthArts.org.

Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC. Learn more HighlandsChamber.org