By Age Group
Private Lessons
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!
Ceramics 46 Events
Other Mediums 2 Events
Sculpting Animal Vessels
Join us for an immersive dive into learning how to transform your pots into sculptural animal vessels! Using techniques of throwing and hand-building, students will form vessels that incorporate animal figures by sculpting, carving, and alteration. Instruction will cover basic sculpting techniques such as the hollowing method and how to give the animals expression and defining characteristics such as eyes, ears, and motion. Katie will work individually with each student to help create a pleasing composition, structural integrity and visual interest in their artworks. Class will also include guidance about different ways to glaze and fire the finished work. A basic ability to throw or hand-build a vessel is necessary, students can be beginners at sculpting.
All Ages Pottery - Pinch Pot Animals
Resident Artist Series: Slab Constructed Flower Bricks, and Single Stem Dahlia Vases
In this 5 day class, we will use the slab roller to create Flower Bricks and Single Stem Dahlia Vases. We will create templates, roll slabs, use texture pads, rollers, etc and then use the templates to cut the clay pieces to put together for make the shapes. The class includes Open Studio only on the day of class. There is no glazing component to this class. Please see Glazing Class in the Resident Artist Schedule.
Resident Artist Series: Wheel Throwing I
In this 5 day wheel throwing class, we will cover the basics of working on the potter’s wheel. If you have never tried this before, please expect some difficulty in the initial stages. The focus will be to learn centering and then to pull shapes such as bowls (ex. berry bowls, soup bowls, colander, cereal bowls, etc) and cylinders (ex. Mugs, tumblers, sippers – based on the learning curve). This class includes Open Studio access only on the day of class. There will not be a glazing component to this class. Please see Glazing Class in the Resident Artist Series Schedule.
Resident Artist Series: Glazing Class
Head Games: Building Bold Sculpted Heads
This workshop explores the creation of expressive, slightly larger-than-life ceramic heads that prioritize gesture, exaggeration, and surface over literal realism. Participants will work solid and with armatures while developing an understanding of structure, proportion, and intentional distortion. The course begins with a low-fire soda kiln experience, allowing participants to explore atmospheric surface effects that will inform their sculptural work. Designed for artists ready to push beyond safe forms, this workshop emphasizes focused making, problem-solving, and guided experimentation.
Floral Application
Youth Homeschool Pottery: Pumpkins
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.
Youth Afterschool Pottery: Pumpkins
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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