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Classes & Workshops
Greetings, artists, and best wishes for a creative and inspiring New Year!
We are excited to welcome you to The Bascom studios in 2025. As we kick off the year, we’d like to share an update to our pricing structure for classes and workshops.
Beginning this year, you’ll notice that the “Member Discount” option has been retired. Instead, tuition rates have been adjusted to align with the discounted rates previously offered to members, creating a more streamlined and straightforward registration process.
We look forward to seeing you in the studios for another exciting year of Seeing, Thinking, and Doing.
Why gorgeous GRAYS are the secret for greater faster, growth: Unlock this fun world of painting.

Unlock the magic of Gorgeous Grays with Bill’s engaging and non-judgmental approach to mastering design, values, shapes, and color harmony. Learn how grays enhance your ability to see and create compelling compositions with harmonious color and scintillating temperature shifts. Bill combines his artistic expertise with neuroscience insights to simplify complex concepts and make learning faster, easier, and more enjoyable. Build confidence and elevate your skills with this transformative workshop experience!
Watercolors that Zing
Soda Firing and Wheel Throwing

Discover the art of soda firing in this hands-on workshop with Ben Owen III. Participants will glaze and fire their pieces, explore surface techniques like flashing slips and brushwork, and assist with kiln adjustments. Time in the studio will focus on wheel-throwing, shaping, and assembling functional and decorative pottery, with insights into Ben’s design philosophy and the traditions of Seagrove, NC. Bring 10-20 small to medium bisque-fired pots to participate.
Working Out- Exercises for Observational Painting
Contemporary Landscape Painting using Traditional and Abstract Techniques

Combine classical landscape painting techniques with principles of abstraction to push beyond the basics. This workshop explores mark-making, color theory, and composition while experimenting with mediums like Cold Wax and Galkyd for texture and layering. Includes demos, discussions, and one-on-one guidance.
Loosen up your Painting Style
A Sound and Clay Immersion

Combine water, earth, air, and fire to create your own personal sound mask. Let your creativity be expressed through the medium of clay, creating your own unique mask which includes an sound making component. Learn various techniques to create clay instruments such as whistles and rattles to integrate into your mask. Learn about cultural mask styles and symbols and how to make simple clay instruments during this extensive weekend workshop. |
Surface Alchemy: Dynamic Surfaces & Vibrant Finishes

Join ceramic sculptors Thaddeus Erdahl and Beau Raymond for a hands-on workshop exploring dynamic glazes, slips, and finishes. Learn to layer vibrant colors, carve and sand surfaces, and apply polychromatic cold finishes to bring your ceramic work to life. Open to all skill levels, this workshop offers expert guidance and experimentation, leaving you with custom test tiles and new techniques to inspire your future projects.
Class Schedule: 9 AM–Noon & 1 PM–4 PM
Floral Application
Let’s Fire it Up!!!

In this five-day, hands-on workshop, participants will explore cone 10 gas reduction, cone 10 soda, and cone 6 electric firings. Learn practical and aesthetic techniques for loading and firing kilns, test studio glazes, and experiment with new glaze recipes. Led by Frank Vickery and Gay Smith, the workshop covers throwing bulbous forms, altering surfaces, and improving foundational throwing skills. Students should bring 10-20 bisque pieces suitable for each firing type.
Perfect for potters of all levels looking to refine their techniques and deepen their understanding of kiln firings.
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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