The Bascom, in collaboration with Highlands Sotheby's International Realty, invites you to meet pastel artist Louise Pond at a special reception on Friday, May 1, from 4:30 to 6 pm. A selection of Pond's work will be available for purchase at the event. Additional works are available in The Bascom Shop.

Hosted by Highlands Sotheby's International Realty | 114 N. 4th St., Highlands

A show-worthy dahlia doesn't happen by accident. Join seasoned growers Peggy Boruchow Arnette and Libby Eustis for a conversation rooted in the practical art of growing a bloom that's ready for the judge's eye. Whether you're starting from a tuber, a cutting, or a seed, this talk will walk you through the decisions and details that matter most — from soil amendments and staking to the small daily habits that separate a good bloom from a great one.

Celebrate the summer exhibition season with a reception highlighting the Photography Resident Exhibition, I Sing Behind the Plow: A Century of Teaching Craft and Traditional Culture at the John C. Campbell Folk School, and Connecting to Place: Blue Ridge Craft Trails Invitational 2026. Meet the featured artists and curators, explore new perspectives on regional craft and tradition, and enjoy conversation with fellow art enthusiasts. Light refreshments will be served.

At just 15 years old, Christian Palazzolo is already earning international recognition for his automotive photography. His photograph 911 Sunset — a dusk portrait of a rare teal Porsche 911 GT3 Touring — took second place in the International Photography Awards, Auto Category. His photo London Fog, a Blue Bentley captured in Cashiers, NC, placed in the prestigious Top 100 of the Auto Photo Awards among thousands of entries worldwide. Palazzolo’s work is on view in the Bascom Shop throughout June. Join him for a trunk show June 12–13, when a featured Porsche from Porsche Asheville will be on display outside.

 Search along The Bascom’s Horst Winkler Sculpture Trail for a clay mushroom during  Game of Shrooms, a worldwide art scavenger hunt.

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts will host its annual Community Day on Friday, July 3, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. This free, family-friendly event invites guests of all ages to explore The Bascom’s six-acre campus with hands-on art activities, live artist demonstrations, free popcorn, and special exhibitions on view in the galleries.

Now in its fifteenth year, The Bascom’s seasonal pottery show highlights the skill and creativity of our Studio Members, whose work is created and fired on-site in our ceramic studio. This summer’s installment invites visitors to explore a diverse selection of handmade functional and sculptural pieces while directly supporting the artists who make them.

As part of the 16th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival, the Bascom is pleased to host an educational talk and workshop led by Highlands growers Peggy Boruchow Arnette and Libby Eustis. Tailored for both novice and experienced growers, this engaging session explores the full arc of the exhibition dahlia—from the final weeks in the garden to the show table in the upcoming Single Bloom Competition.

Participants are encouraged to bring two or three dahlias from their own gardens for hands-on guidance in selection, evaluation, and staging.

Join us as we open the fall exhibition season with Voices of Influence: Celebrating the Impact of Women in Art, TRACES: Jo Sandman from the Black Mountain College Museum + Arts Center, and Ceramic Artists of The Bascom Clay Symposium featuring Andrew Godfrey Shaw, Alexander Thierry, and Tiffany Thomas. This reception offers an opportunity to meet the artists and curators behind these dynamic exhibitions and to connect with fellow community members who value the evolving landscape of contemporary and regional art. Light refreshments will be served.

The Dazzling Dahlia Festival returns in 2026 as a vibrant celebration of horticulture, art, and community on The Bascom campus. Rooted in the Plateau’s long-standing appreciation for gardens and creative expression, the festival brings together growers, artists, and visitors for a shared exploration of form, color, and seasonal abundance.