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

The Bascom owes its existence to artist Watson Barratt, who had a vision to establish a permanent gallery in Highlands, NC, for the display of works created by regional artists.


 

The Barratts Come to Highlands

The Bascom’s history begins with artist Watson Barratt, who had a vision to establish a permanent gallery in Highlands for the display of works created by regional artists. Watson and his wife, Louise Bascom Barratt, lived part-time in Highlands.

An Artistic Vision

Barratt was a longtime supporter of the Hudson Library, and when he died in 1962, his will stipulated that once his estate was settled, the Hudson Library would receive funds earmarked for a gallery within the library. This dream was visionary at the time. Creating an exhibition space and permanent collection in a village of just a few hundred residents distinguished Highlands as a progressive community committed to nurturing its local talent and celebrating its natural assets.

A Gallery is Born

Barratt's estate was settled in the mid 1980’s, and his dream became a reality. In 1985, construction of the Hudson Library utilized proceeds from the estate and included a dedicated space for the Bascom-Louise Gallery. During this time, there were small exhibits and classes in that one room and programming and dreams grew.

A Separate Space

In 1999, the Hudson Library and the Bascom-Louise Gallery amicably decided to separate their operations. As an independent non-profit, the art center grew even more rapidly. It quadrupled its exhibit schedule over a six-year period, bringing in exceptional two- and three-dimensional work from all over the Southeast. Concurrent with this growth, the board started making plans to raise funds and build a dedicated own facility. Over the course of the next several years, funds were raised, land was purchased, plans were drawn up and construction began in 2007.

Becoming The Bascom

With a new name, The Bascom opened in May 2009 on the former Crane house farm property. The six acre park-like setting welcomes visitors of all ages and backgrounds to share art experiences and to enjoy the synergy of art and nature.

A Home for Visual Arts in Highlands

The art center today continues to be a creative hub for art lovers and artists of all ability levels, and for the community as a whole. Its success as an educational resource and tourist destination is a boon for the region, and over 1,000 individuals, families, and business have contributed towards The Bascom’s education and exhibitions programming.

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Opening Hours

Exhibitions & Shop:
Tuesday - Saturday; 10 am - 5 pm

Studio Barn 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