Exhibitions and Shop: Tue - Sat; 10 am - 5 pm | Studio Barn:  Mon - Sat 10 - 5; Sun noon - 5 pm |  828-526-4949 | Get Directions 

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.

  1. Register for a Workshop
  2. Create your username and password during the registration process
  3. Check your email (Don't see it in your inbox? Check your junk/spam folder and mark it as not junk/spam)
  4. Click on the activation link in the email and... Voila! You're good to go!

 

13
May
2026

Breaking into Portrait Painting in Oils with Nicholas Thorp

May 13, 2026 9:00 am - May 15, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Nicholas Thorp
$400.00
Breaking into Portrait Painting in Oils with Nicholas Thorp

View the Supply List HERE

In this hands-on workshop you will paint four portraits over three days to establish a foundation in painting portraits in oil. Three will be painted with an alla prima technique, and one will be painted using the slower indirect, academic approach. This will give you a wide variety of tools to start you on the exciting road of painting portraits.

20
May
2026

The Language of Layers: Discovering Your Artistic Voice in Oil and Cold Wax with Lisa Boardwine

May 20, 2026 10:00 am - May 22, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Lisa Boardwine
$625.00
The Language of Layers: Discovering Your Artistic Voice in Oil and Cold Wax with Lisa Boardwine

View the Supply List HERE

This workshop is designed for artists eager to explore the expressive possibilities of abstraction through the versatile medium of oil and cold wax. Together we’ll experiment with mark making, layering, texture and color to build rich, luminous surfaces that tell a story. Through guided exercises and demonstrations, you’ll learn how to combine intuitive gestures with thoughtful composition — allowing your personal artistic voice to emerge naturally. This class invites freedom, play, and discovery. The workshop will encourage you to take risks, embrace process, and trust your intuition as you create compelling, light and texture-filled abstract paintings.

Whether you’re new to cold wax medium or seeking to deepen your practice, you’ll leave with fresh techniques, finished pieces, and renewed inspiration for your art journey. Join me and let's paint together May 20th-22nd!

22
May
2026

Transferred Layers

May 22, 2026 9:00 am - May 24, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Alexander Thierry
$500.00
Transferred Layers

In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn how to edit images, create screens, and print custom underglaze transfers for use on ceramic surfaces. Designed for mid- to high-fire clay, the process expands surface decoration techniques and introduces participants to screen-printed imagery as a versatile tool in ceramic practice.

All students will be provided with:

1 Speed screen screen printing kit which includes:
- 8-inch x 10-inch Speedball Wood Frame, 30W LED Lamp, 4oz Black Fabric Screen Printing Ink, craft stick, Speedball Screen Cord, Red Baron Squeegee, 3-Pack Speed Screens, black paper, (3) Speedball Transparency Sheets

1 newsprint pad
1 Speedball brayer
a wide variety of the available Speedball underglaze colors
1 silicone spatula
1 information and instruction handout

22
May
2026

Resident Artist Series: Glazing Class

May 22, 2026 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Instructor(s): Ester Lipscomb
Fee: $50 – Free for students of the RAS class
Resident Artist Series: Glazing Class

This class is for students who have bisque pieces ready to glaze.  These pieces could have been made in Open Studio, the Resident Artist Series, Workshops, etc.  

23
May
2026

Bark to Basket Workshop with The Primitive Arts' Andrew Lee

May 23, 2026 10:00 am -4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Andrew Lee
$125.00
Bark to Basket Workshop with The Primitive Arts' Andrew Lee

This hands-on, one-day workshop takes students through the full process of creating a poplar bark basket; from harvesting bark from fresh logs to building and embellishing a finished piece.

Ages 18+. No prior knowledge of or experience with basketry is necessary. All Matierals and equipment provided.

27
May
2026

Look-Think-Paint: The key to Creative Breakthroughs and Beautiful Paintings with John Guernsey

May 27, 2026 10:00 am - May 29, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): John Guernsey
$500.00
Look-Think-Paint: The key to Creative Breakthroughs and Beautiful Paintings with John Guernsey

View the Supply List HERE

This workshop with award-winning painter and teacher John Guernsey emphasizes careful observation, thoughtful decision-making, and expressive painting. Through demonstrations, group discussion, and guided studio time, participants will refine essential skills while developing work that reflects personal intent. Open to all skill levels, working in oil or acrylic.

30
May
2026

Power-carving a Red-Tailed Hawk Feather with Christine Smith

May 30, 2026 10:00 am -4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Christine Smith
$150.00
Power-carving a Red-Tailed Hawk Feather with Christine Smith

In this hands-on workshop with Christine Smith, participants will carve and paint a realistic Red-Tailed Hawk feather. The session covers three-dimensional carving techniques, surface detailing, and finishing with transparent acrylic paint washes. No prior carving or painting experience is required, and all instruction is provided.

30
May
2026

Intro to Watercolor II: Washes with Ease

May 30, 2026 10:00 am -12:00 pm
Instructor(s): Caryn Raming
$75.00
Intro to Watercolor II: Washes with Ease

Artists will have the opportunity to try their hand at watercolor, learning a variety of Watercolor Washes. Guided by your experienced instructor, Caryn Raming, this workshop is perfect for those who haven’t tried watercolor in a while, or those who are brand new to the medium!

All Materials are provided – just bring your willingness to learn. Come ready to paint, explore, and grow your skills in a supportive, creative environment.

30
May
2026

Intro to Watercolor III: Practicing Skills

May 30, 2026 2:00 pm -4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Caryn Raming
$75.00
Intro to Watercolor III: Practicing Skills

Expand your watercolor confidence in this hands-on workshop designed for adults with beginner-level experience. Guided by your experienced instructor, Caryn Raming, you'll use your foundational knowledge of strokes and washes to create watercolor paintings. This session is perfect if you've painted in watercolor before and are ready to strengthen your technique through practice and guidance.

All materials will be provided—just bring your favorite brushes, paints, or tools, and a willingness to learn. Come ready to paint, explore, and grow your skills in a supportive, creative environment.

03
Jun
2026

Still Life Drawing with Steve Reagan

June 3, 2026 10:00 am - June 5, 2026 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Steve Reagan
$425.00
Still Life Drawing with Steve Reagan

View the Supply List Here

This introductory drawing class with Steve Reagan, art teacher and owner of Space Age Makers, explores the fundamentals of still life drawing, including perspective, composition, value, and basic drawing theory. Participants will work with essential materials to create both quick sketches and more finished drawings in a relaxed, supportive environment. Designed for beginners and those seeking a refresher, the course builds foundational skills that support drawing, painting, and broader art practice.

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Opening Hours

Exhibitions & Shop
Tuesday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm

Studio Barn 
Monday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm
Sunday; Noon - 5 pm

Find Us Online:
      

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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)

Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)

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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

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

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