Where Art is Born

Since opening in 1985, the bascom Center for the Visual Arts has honored its founders’ original vision of making the visual arts accessible and available to everyone in the community of the Highlands-Cashiers Plateau. Over these last four decades, The Bascom’s vibrant cultural presence has drawn more than 20,000 annual visitors with free exhibitions, hands-on programs and opportunities for artists at every stage of their careers—some of whom are not even old enough to drive a car..

It is these young artists—these open minds, these fertile imaginations, these hands that will grow in size to someday dwarf their own imprints—that are the focus of The Bascom’s youth arts programming. “By providing accessible, high-quality arts experiences for children and teens, both on campus and through outreach partnerships, we are building the region’s future creative capacity,” says Executive Director Billy Love. “Early engagement fosters critical thinking, confidence, collaboration and problem-solving skills while nurturing a sense of belonging and connection to place. We are cultivating the next generation of artists, leaders and engaged citizens who will shape and sustain the region’s cultural and economic vitality.”

The Bascom offers youth programming throughout the year, with pricing that serves local families as well as short-term visitors to the area, ranging from single-day, two-hour workshops to weekly afterschool and homeschool programs as well as summer art camps. Many of these programs also extend beyond traditional studio practice, integrating science and other disciplines.

“Now more than ever, it’s critical to have an understanding of how all facets of the world work together,” says Community Engagement Manager Priscilla Galloway. “Teaching youth about how the arts and sciences collide will build them up to be well-rounded individuals. It is my greatest hope that these youth take home a new skill, make a life-long memory, gain self-confidence from creating something with their hands, find inspiration in the many possibilities that careers in the arts offer and have fun!”

For many families, youth classes are their first introduction to The Bascom, often beginning with a field trip or summer workshop and growing into a lasting relationship with the campus. In rural areas like the Plateau, reaching students requires more than open doors—it takes scholarships, school partnerships and outreach programs that meet young artists where they are, removing obstacles of distance and cost. In doing so, a single class becomes more than an afternoon in the studio—it becomes a catalyst to strengthening academic success, encouraging creative problem-solving and helping children see The Bascom as a place that belongs to them. And one where they, in turn, can find belonging.

Coming to feel that sense of confidence and belonging can take time, but The Bascom’s teaching artists and staff members see the transformation happen every day. “I have seen children initially start out feeling shy or negative toward a project—usually because they do not feel confident in their own skills, they have never used a particular medium, or they think the project looks too hard—and it’s incredible to see confidence growing as they self-discover that they can do it,” says Community Engagement Associate Caryn Raming. “They become so excited and proud of themselves and their projects. Those are the moments they realize, ‘I belong in the arts.’”

As Ceramics Artist-Educator Ester Lipscomb explains, “Art experiences foster growth in many ways: technical skills, confidence, independence, creative problem-solving, and decision making. Some kids come in with very little independence, and they want me to do every step for them. Watching a student go from that to both confidently creating art in their own voice and encouraging other students is always a joy.”

Experiences like these are made possible, in part, through The Bascom’s annual fundraising efforts. Held this year on June 18, the upcoming Heirloom Evening: A Gala Celebrating Art, Traditions, and the Music of the Mountains allows donors to experience the campus for themselves and gain a greater understanding of the center’s mission. This year’s theme is meant to “ground us in a sense of place, utilizing the music, instruments, and traditions of the southern Appalachian Mountains,” says Director of Development Jamie Raynor, noting that the gala annually provides over $300,000 in support of The Bascom’s programs both on campus and across the communities on the Plateau.

While The Bascom’s Heirloom Evening will gather the community in celebration of art and tradition, its truest purpose lies in what happens after the music fades: the return to classrooms filled with young makers, new ideas, and the steady work of building confidence through creativity. By investing in these students today, The Bascom is ensuring that the cultural life of the Plateau will continue to be shaped by those who have learned its ways, its traditions, and its beauty.

For more information on The Bascom’s programming, or to purchase tickets to the gala event, visit thebascom.org or call 828.526.4949.