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Education Fellowships

Education Fellowships

Gain valuable teaching experience and start transforming lives today!

Artist Residencies

Artist Residencies

Opportunities for artists to further their professional careers in an enriching environment

The Bascom's Education Fellowships offer disciplined artists and educators opportunities to take on significant responsibilities that further themselves as art professionals. Benefits include housing, studio access, teaching opportunities, potential for exhibition and more.


Why The Bascom?

Natural Inspiration

Since moving to our campus in 2009, artists from around the world have discovered that The Bascom grounds are a ceaselessly inspiring environment for studio and instructional practice. Artists have access to 6-acres of stone amphitheaters, a creekside pavilion, the Winkler Sculpture and Nature Trail system, a corncrib, multiple exhibition spaces, and studios with a rustic barnwood aesthetic.

A Different Type of Residency

The Bascom’s Resident Artists are critical members of our team. We entrust them with real responsibilities that uphold the mission of our organization. Residents must be disciplined, hard workers who are able to tackle a broad range of projects that will prepare them for a career in the arts.

Well-Rounded Work Experience

  • Curriculum Design
  • Instruction for All Ages
  • Studio Management
  • Equipment Training
  • Public Presentations
  • Community Service
  • Volunteerism
  • Pop-Up Exhibition Installation
  • Artist Statement and Portfolio Development
  • Professional Development

Support

Department heads regularly meet with Resident Artists to evaluate the residents’ performance, provide feedback, set project goals, find local and regional opportunities for the residents' benefit, and give positive reinforcement.


Current Openings

The Bascom is currently accepting inquiries and applications for the following opportunities:

 

Dave Drake Studio Assistant Artist

 

 The Bascom’s Resident Educator Ceramic Artist Program


The Bascom’s Resident Educator Ceramic Artist program is an opportunity for educators, who are also artists, to enhance their own teaching and support student growth, while also developing a body of work in a state-of-the-art clay studio. Teaching artists should have the ability to integrate their art form, skills, and experience in a variety of learning situations to positively impact student learning through arts and arts integrated instruction. The Resident Educator Ceramic Artist program provides an opportunity for an artist to spend time in a new environment, focused on instruction, reflection, and creative lesson planning, while also producing new work of their own.

Time Frame:

Seasonal, Part time, 20-30 hours a week depending on student demand. May 1st - September 30, 2023

Fee:

Hourly Pay: $20 an hour for 20-30 hours a week

General Responsibilities

  • Teach private classes, youth classes, and other classes as assigned.
  • Trim, glaze, and finish student work as part of the private class format, loading/unloading kilns, mixing glaze, studio upkeep, and other duties as assigned for studio maintenance and general operating.
  • Take photos and document studio activity, classes, workshops, etc. for Bascom promotional purposes.
  • Serve as Ceramics Studio manager when needed.
  • Act as a positive Bascom Ambassador during and after residency

Additional Opportunities:

  • Make work to sell through the Ceramics Studio and in two annual member’s shows.
  • Submit proposal for body of work concentration to be completed during term and highlighted on the Bascom webpage and social media. Opportunity submit work for sale in the Bascom Shop on a commission basis with a 60/40 split.
  • Access to studio, equipment, and materials 24/7; Resident has personal work area inside of community workspace.
  • Materials for artist’s own production include 100 lbs of clay per month, as well as glazing and firing of works produced on site in the studio.

Please submit:

  • Cover letter describing your interest in the resident position and how the position would benefit your professional growth.
  • An Image Inventory consisting of 15-20 numbered high-resolution images (accepting jpg, tif, pdf on CD, email, or through DropBox, Hightail, etc.*) and list of images (docx or pdf) with a. Title b. Year c. Medium d. Dimensions.

Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. References and background check will be required for the finalist.

For more information, please contact Frank Vickery at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

Education Fellowship

 

Paid Teaching Opportunities for Artists:
The Bascom Education Fellowship


We are not currently seeking applications for this position.

Are you planning for a career in the arts or art education? Gain valuable teaching experiences while providing art experiences for community after-school programs in Macon and Jackson counties. Start transforming lives today.

Paid Teaching Opportunities for Artists

The Bascom’s Education Fellows are critical members of our team. They are given job responsibilities that uphold the mission of our organization and prepare them for careers in the arts. Education Fellows must be disciplined, hard workers with teaching experience who are able to tackle a broad range of assignments.

The Education Fellowship is a 2 – 3 month summer position (flexible dates upon approval) under the supervision of the Director of Education and Outreach. First and foremost, the Education Fellow is Lead Instructor for youth summer art programs at The Bascom during our busy summer season (June – August). The instructor also designs self-guided museum activities for the public, and supports other public programs with youth and adults.

Why The Bascom?

Believing that creative expression transforms our lives, The Bascom is committed to providing life enriching experiences through diverse exhibitions; comprehensive arts education and public programs; support for regional artists; and strategic partnerships facilitating cultural and economic development in the Highlands-Cashiers community.

The Bascom Art Center’s grounds are a ceaselessly inspiring environment for instructional, studio, and exhibition practices. The 6-acre campus features outdoor stone amphitheaters, a creek-side pavilion, a sculpture and nature trail, multiple galleries, and art studios with a rustic barn wood aesthetic. The Western Carolina region is rich with mountainous landscapes to which traditional and contemporary artists and craftspeople gravitate for inspiration.

Please note that Highlands, NC is a beautiful small town located in the heart of the Southern Appalachian Mountains at 4,200 feet of elevation. Highlanders cherish the remoteness that makes this area so special. Cellular service is limited in areas, roads are steep and curvy, and the weather can be unpredictable. It is important to research or visit the area to familiarize yourself with the setting that makes The Bascom and Highlands such a unique destination.

Weekly Commitment

The Education Fellow commits to instruction, planning, and departmental support Tuesday – Saturday not to exceed 20 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

  • Design and instruct curricula – Ages 7 - 12, continuing adults, and senior citizens
  • Design and instruct 5 STEAM based, multi-day summer programs for youth ages 7 – 12
  • Teach private lessons in drawing, painting, and mixed-media
  • Curate student exhibits in the Eckerd Children’s Gallery
  • Design interactive art activities for the public in the Eckerd Children’s Gallery and The Bascom SmArt Space
  • Manage Hughes Studio (organize, clean, keep inventory)

Teaching Methods

The Education Fellow will use a variety of teaching methods and new media to stimulate and keep the attention of students, such as: teacher demonstrations, gallery and sculpture trail tours, individual and collaborative group projects, cross-disciplinary lessons, guided discussions about famous artworks, brief videos, and slide presentations.

Benefits

  • $1,200.00 per month stipend paid bi-weekly
  • Marketing and promotion of your work as an Education Fellow
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Studio space on The Bascom campus. Fellows are responsible for all materials and equipment required for personal studio work.
  • Mileage reimbursement for off-site teaching. PERSONAL VEHICLE REQUIRED
  • Exhibition opportunity in the Education Gallery upon approval.

To Apply

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Submit ALL below materials together (for example, send only 1 email, 1 compressed file, 1 file transfer, or 1 disk).

Please submit:

  • Cover letter expressing your interest in the position and teaching philosophy
  • Résumé or CV
  • 10 images of your personal artwork with image inventory.
    • Title
    • Year
    • Medium
    • Dimensions
  • 3 sample lesson plans
  • 2 professional reference letters, or contact info for 2 professional references

Submit Applications to:
Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director
The Bascom : A Center for the Visual Arts
323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741

For Questions: Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Photography Residency

 

Photography Artist in Residence Spring 2024


Time Frame

  • Term: Spring 2024
  • Duration: February 23 -April 21, 2024 (Flexible dates upon approval)
  • Exhibition Dates: April 20 - August 24, 2024

Residency Responsibilities

  • Create work for exhibition
  • Create photography focused interactive presentation for local middle school students
  • Present artist talk during the exhbition
  • Present portfolio at monthly Bascom Photography Club meeting

Residency Access & Benefits

  • Free housing
  • $2,500 stipend
  • Solo exhibition opportunity in The Joel Gallery (April 20 – August 24, 2024)
  • 24 hour access to private workspace, Epson P800 Printer, studio lighting and Epson V600 Scanner. Residents are welcome to bring their own equipment. (NOTE: The Bascom does not have a darkroom)
  • Marketing and promotion of your development as a resident
  • Representation in The Bascom's shop and Atrium retail spaces

Application Deadline & Requirements

Deadline: December 31, 2023

Requirements:*

  • Cover letter describing your interest in the Bascom Residency Program
  • Artist Statement (less than 300 words)
  • Résumé or CV
  • 15 numbered high-resolution images (accepting jpg, tif, pdf, email, or through DropBox, Hightail, etc.*)
  • Image inventory (docx or pdf) with Title, Year, Medium, Dimensions
  • Two professional references with contact information
  • Application Deadline: December 31, 2023

Submit your application materials or any questions you might have to:
Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Download a copy of the call by clicking here

 

Winter Resident Artist Program

 

Winter Resident Artist Program:
Winter Break Opportunity for Students and Faculty


Time Frame

  • Term: Winter 2023-2024
  • Duration: December 8, 2023 - January 14, 2024

Program Opportunities

  • Solo exhibition on display from January 13 - May 11, 2024
  • Public reception
  • Free housing
  • $1,000 in supplies
  • 24-Hour studio access
  • Marketing and promotion of residency experience

Application Deadline & Requirements

Deadline: October 29, 2023

Requirements:

• Cover letter with: statement of interest/project proposal related to the theme: Legacies.
• Artist statement - less than 300 words
• Resume or CV
• 10-15 numbered highresolution images of your work
• Image inventory with: Title/year/medium/dimensions
• Contact info for 2 professional references

Submit your application materials or any questions you might have to:
Billy Love, Deputy Executive Director 
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

*Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Download a copy of the Call for Applications  

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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 http://www.ncarts.org.

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Funded in part by a grant from South Arts
in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.