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

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.

15
Jul
2025

Why gorgeous GRAYS are the secret for greater faster, growth: Unlock this fun world of painting.

July 15, 2025 9:00 am - July 18, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Bill Davidson
$700.00
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!

23
Jul
2025

Watercolors that Zing

July 23, 2025 10:00 am - July 25, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Carol Conti
$450.00
Watercolors that Zing

Create vibrant watercolor paintings with unique textures and contemporary flair! Learn to use Gesso for stamped effects and work on diverse substrates, guided step-by-step by award-winning artist Carol Conti.

25
Jul
2025

Soda Firing and Wheel Throwing

July 25, 2025 9:00 am - July 29, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Ben Owen III
$900.00
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.


 

30
Jul
2025

Working Out- Exercises for Observational Painting

July 30, 2025 10:00 am - August 1, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Ben Hamburger
$500.00
Working Out- Exercises for Observational Painting

Strengthen your perceptual and painting skills with focused exercises in color, composition, and paint application. This class, designed for experienced painters, combines direct observation, still-life setups, and group critiques to refine your unique style. Suitable for acrylic and oil painters.

06
Aug
2025

Contemporary Landscape Painting using Traditional and Abstract Techniques

August 6, 2025 10:00 am - August 8, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Chris Groves
$650.00
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.

13
Aug
2025

Loosen up your Painting Style

August 13, 2025 10:00 am - August 15, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Pat Fiorello
$475.00
Loosen up your Painting Style

Learn practical techniques to achieve a more painterly, expressive style. Through demonstrations, exercises, and a "paint along," explore methods to loosen up your approach. Apply these skills to create a fresh interpretation of one of your own past paintings. Suitable for oils or acrylics.

15
Aug
2025

A Sound and Clay Immersion

August 15, 2025 9:00 am - August 16, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): William Rodriguez
$350.00
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.

22
Aug
2025

Surface Alchemy: Dynamic Surfaces & Vibrant Finishes

August 22, 2025 9:00 am - August 24, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): TJ Erdahl and Beau Raymond
$600.00
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

27
Aug
2025

Floral Application

August 27, 2025 10:00 am - September 3, 2025 12:00 pm
Instructor(s): Colette Clark
$150.00
Floral Application

In this class you will learn to create realistic flowers in clay to adorn wall pocket vases. In addition to the wall pockets, each student will receive one thrown greenware vase to decorate using the techniques discussed.

Class Schedule: 10 AM–Noon

08
Sep
2025

Let’s Fire it Up!!!

September 8, 2025 9:00 am - September 12, 2025 4:00 pm
Instructor(s): Gay Smith and Frank Vickery
$900.00
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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Opening Hours

Exhibitions & Shop (Winter Hours)
Tuesday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm

Studio Barn (Winter Hours)
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