• Title: Executive Director
• Email: kpeterson@thebascom.org

Karin Peterson is Executive Director of The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts. A sociologist of art, Dr. Peterson brings an interdisciplinary approach to visual culture and an appreciation for the resonating power of art for individuals and communities. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia (Charlottesville), an advanced degree from L’Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales (Paris, France), and is an alumna of Randolph-Macon Woman’s College (Lynchburg, Virginia).

Peterson is a career-long educator and has been a Professor of Sociology at the University of North Carolina Asheville for the past two decades. Recently, she served as Interim Provost of UNC School of the Arts, and previously held the same role at UNC Asheville. She is excited about The Bascom’s strategic plan, whose realization will allow the organization to serve the multiple communities in our region with innovative programming that impacts people of all ages, and that addresses the connections between the arts, education, and wellbeing.

• Title: Deputy Executive Director
• Phone: (828) 787-2881
• Email: blove@thebascom.org

Billy Love is the Deputy Executive Director for Mission and Programs at The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts (Highlands, NC). An arts educator and non-profit professional, Billy has more than 20 years of experience working at the intersection of communities, people, and learning. His roles at The Bascom span curatorial, educational, and outreach initiatives, which allow the organization to offer robust visual arts programs focused on the support of emerging artists and the building of essential creative and visual literacy skills for youth and adults. His leadership is focused on fostering the artistic capacities of individuals and on engaging with local and regional entities to enhance the creative economy of Western North Carolina. A muralist and photographer, Billy received his Bachelors in Studio Art from Furman University (Greenville, SC) and his Masters in Art Education from Western Carolina University.

• Title: Director of Finance & Administration
• Phone: (828) 787-2885
• Email: halligood@thebascom.org

Holly Alligood is a dynamic professional, currently serving as the Director of Finance and Administration at The Bascom. Holly brings with her over 10 years of experience as an accountant, having honed her financial expertise in various organizations before joining The Bascom.  As a parent of two, she values the importance of fostering creativity and artistic expression in the community. She believes that art has the power to inspire, educate, and transform lives, and she works tirelessly to ensure that The Bascom remains a vibrant and inclusive hub for artists and art enthusiasts. With her extensive experience, passion for the arts, and commitment to community service, Holly Alligood is dedicated to making a positive and lasting impact through her role at The Bascom.

• Title: Director of Marketing
• Phone: (828) 787-2866
• Email: bmitchell@thebascom.org

Bianca Mitchell is the Director of Marketing at The Bascom:  A Center for the Visual Arts (Highlands, NC).  Bianca has over 15 years of experience in marketing, design, and database management. A visual storyteller, Bianca brings life to The Bascom’s brand through impactful and contemporary communications strategies.

Bianca is herself a practicing artist, who works in two-dimensional and digital formats. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Brevard College, summa cum laude.

• Title: Director of Exhibitions
• Phone: (828) 787-2878
• Email: zrogers@thebascom.org

Born and raised in Laurinburg, NC, Zachary is an artist with a knack for creative problem solving. After earning his Bachelors of Fine Arts in Metal Design from East Carolina University in 2013, he stuck around Greenville, NC for a couple of years working in a few of the art galleries and as a studio tech at Pitt Community College.

Zachary moved to the North Carolina mountains to attend Western Carolina University and received his Masters of Fine Arts in Sculpture from Western Carolina University in 2018. Zachary has instructed art history lecture classes, 3-D design studios, and Sculpture courses. While in graduate school he began to incorporate his interest in archaeology and museum studies in his sculptures and wrote his thesis on shifting museum dynamics and their relationship with the viewer.

Since starting at The Bascom as the Exhibition Manager in May 2018, Zachary is able to continue utilizing his skills to create on both sides of the gallery wall and remain engaged in the artistic community.

• Title: Director of Ceramics
• Phone: (828) 787-2892
• Email: fvickery@thebascom.org

Frank Vickery has been working in clay for over 20 years with multiple years devoted to instruction in clay arts. His personal art works are concentrated in wheel throwing but Frank also has extensive experience in hand building and creating and embellishing clay forms.

Frank has a Bachelors in Art Education and Bachelors in Fine Art from Winthrop University and a Masters of Fine Art from Western Carolina University.

• Title: Facilities Manager
• Phone: (828) 787-2884
• Email: mladeroot@thebascom.org

Maurice has been a contractor, a custom wood-worker, and a property manager in Highlands for 35 years. He enjoys camping and fishing with his three sons and spending time with his family. He has developed a passion for keeping the climate right and all of the IT up and running at The Bascom. He attended Rabun Gap Nacoochee School and lives in Scaly Mountain.

• Title: Retail Manager
• Phone: 828.787.2865
• Email: jlammers@thebascom.org

As the Retail Manager, Jessica brings her background in sales, visual merchandising, and interior design to The Bascom.  Jessica’s work experience began as a teenager in her family's retail shop and art gallery. As she graduated college, Jessica went on to work in residential and light commercial design.  Later, she merged her background experiences into a visual merchandising career. 

Jessica graduated with an AFA from Young Harris College and with a BFA from Georgia State University in Interior Design.  She loves representing the many talented artists in the retail space and serving The Bascom’s mission in the beautiful Highlands community.