In the News
The 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival
From September 4 to 6, The Bascom was in full bloom for the 15th Annual Dazzling Dahlia Festival. This cherished tradition brought together the beauty of dahlias, the creativity of artists, and the joy of community engagement.
In Memory of Horst Winkler
The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts extends our heartfelt condolences to the family and loved ones of Horst Winkler.
A remarkable individual whose legacy spanned continents and industries, Mr. Winkler brought a spirit of innovation, generosity, and community everywhere he went. From his beginnings in Heidelberg, Germany, to his pioneering work with Mercedes-Benz in the United States, Mr. Winkler’s life was defined by vision and purpose.
14th Annual Summer Pottery Show
Get Fired Up! The Bascom’s 14th Biannual Summer Pottery Show Returns July 18–19 | 10 am - 4 pm
Highlands, NC – The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is thrilled to invite you to the 14th Biannual Summer Pottery Show, happening July 18–19, 2025, at the Dave Drake Studio Barn. This two-day celebration of clay brings together the vibrant work of The Bascom’s talented Studio Members, local ceramic artists who shape, fire, and finish their pieces right here on campus.
Oh, What a Day!
July 5 was filled with celebration, gratitude, and community spirit at The Bascom, from honoring our donors and dedicating the new soda kiln, to engaging demonstrations and art activities.
Expanding our Reach: Caryn Raming Joins The Bascom as its Community Engagement Associate
The Bascom is thrilled to announce the addition of Caryn Raming to our staff as Community Engagement Associate, a role central to advancing our commitment to making the visual arts accessible throughout the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau and beyond.
Caryn will lead The Bascom’s Community Outreach program, which brings high-quality arts programming into schools, senior centers, libraries, and public spaces, creating opportunities for creative connection and lifelong learning. Through this initiative, The Bascom reaches thousands of individuals annually, many of whom face limited access to the arts due to geographic, financial, or logistical barriers.
Emerging Designer Program
Designing for Impact: The Bascom Launches Emerging Designer Program
This summer, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is introducing a new initiative designed to support the next generation of creative professionals. The Emerging Designer Program is a mentored internship that offers aspiring graphic designers hands-on experience in arts marketing and communications, allowing them to contribute to the visual storytelling and design strategies that support a nonprofit arts organization during its busiest season.
The Bascom Names Billy Love as Executive Director
HIGHLANDS, N.C.— March 12, 2025 - The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is pleased to announce the appointment of Billy Love as its new Executive Director. A longtime leader within the organization, Love has played a vital role in The Bascom’s growth, serving in various leadership capacities, including multiple terms as Interim Executive Director.
The Bascom Welcomes Jamie Raynor as its Director of Development
The Bascom Welcomes Jamie Raynor as Director of Development
Highlands, NC – February 25, 2025 – The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts is delighted to announce Jamie Raynor as its new Director of Development. With over 22 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education leadership, Raynor brings an outstanding record of building relationships and driving philanthropic success.
In Memory of Greg Thompson
The Bascom community mourns the passing of Board member Greg Thompson, a dedicated leader, passionate advocate for the arts, and dear friend. As an actively engaged Director and co-chair of our Master Plan Committee, Greg brought decades of expertise in planning and finance, along with a lifelong love of the visual arts. His contributions played an important role in shaping The Bascom’s long-term vision, guiding strategic growth, and ensuring the arts remain accessible to our community. His impact left an indelible mark on our organization—one for which we are deeply grateful.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
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