Definitely check The Bascom when in town. Free and open to the public with works by local artists.

This center is about 3.5 stars. The reason behind is the art display is just under average. However, this non profit organization by donations, I would said ok. It is unique to get into art center through the cover bridge. They have a lot small building for art classes. When we were there, there is a clay class is going on. The spinning of the clay try to take shape of the items they made. The main building host photographer class and exposition of the lunch cal artist. Not to many art pieces were display. The outside of the building does has larger pieces art sculpture on display. Some is interesting. The total visit is less than one hour. Since we did not take any art classes, cannot tell you much about the full center can offer. I think is worth a visit since you are there. But not for the set destination visit. read more

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When I think of times in my life where I let go of my usual self and just went with the flow, The Bascom will rank among my favorite memories. I consider myself a spontaneous person, but in a controlled sort of way. I'm ready to go anywhere at the drop of a dime, but I do like to at least have an idea of what awaits me at my destination. I made a last minute decision to drive 2.5 hours to Highlands, North Carolina because a women in an ice cream shop told me of a phenomenon that only happens here during this time of year. I googled things to do in Highlands and had a basic idea of a few places of interest. Along the way I made several unscheduled stops at overlooks and restaurants that I hadn't actually yelped... and although it sounds silly, I felt free. I felt like I was on an adventure and my soul was satisfied that it was living in the moment, each moment, and I loved it! I was the man I used to be before yelp, asking total strangers for advice and then going with their recommendations or smelling something in the air and following my nose to the source. * REFLECTION - It's good to plan, but it is better to allow yourself to live. No recommendation is better than actually experiencing life for yourself. THE SCENE I was several hours early for my main reason for visiting the Highlands, so I took a little time to tour the city. I have been an artist my entire life. In high school, I found myself preparing to be a father at 17 years old. It was a hard time for me as a young black male. I went to the 3rd ranked academic high school in Chicago at the time, but my teachers and fellow students came down hard on me after discovering my high school sweetheart was pregnant. I said no to every bad thing in high school, save one. Never did drugs, never stole or got into any serious trouble, but girls were a problem... one in particular. In high school I had the eye of an artist who could fully access his right brain. I could draw anything on command with the detail of a photograph. One day after school I drew my pregnant girlfriends face, only using her eyes, eyebrows, nos and lips. I set those in clouds and drew a giant tear coming from her eyes, It was an abstract tear in size that reflected a pregnant girl holding school books. It was entered into a fair at a local bank and got great reviews. Unfortunately when all the pieces returned back to our school from the fair, my piece was missing. I was devastated and tried many times to recreate the piece, but never could. THE EXPERIENCE To know me is to know I have a fondness for covered bridges. So imagine my delight when arriving to The Bascom and seeing a beautifully restored historic covered bridge at its entrance. It was fall so the trees surrounding the bridge were in full color and NOTHING in life at that moment could have been more picturesque. Except that the Bascom itself is housed in an old barn that gives the art a sense of placement unmatched by any modern architecture. THIS PLACE is indeed poetry in motion as old wooden beams display modern art in a way that breaths life into your soul. Each piece, each display was something I would want in my home if only to have the sheer pleasure of admiring its beauty daily. Somehow, I saw my lost art piece fitting in the displays of these walls. There are three levels of art being displayed. The basement level also has classes, the main level includes a seasonal gallery and the loft above is a space you could get lost in imagination of what it would be like to own such a museum and live in its brilliance of space. I was totally satisfied with my visit, and then I drifted into the pottery studio next door. Here I walked in on an amateur class completing personal pieces. When I tell you my heart wept with admiration for the beauty of their work, I want you to know it was not only for the detail, but the passion they exuded for their craft. They had precious pieces they'd just recently finished waiting to bake and wrapped carefully in plastic. I didn't dare ask them to remove it, but sensing my love and passion for art, they volunteered to do it anyway. Their latest class had them working on figurines of monks and witches, of which the details for an amateur class was extraordinary. They gladly showed me past creations and allowed me to tour the kiln room. The teacher and each of the student were so warm and caring towards me that I felt like I was one of the group. Even knowing that I lived almost 3 hours away in Atlanta, they softly encouraged me to come back and join them for class. * REFLECTION - Surround yourself with like minded people, and watch your soul sore to new heights. FINAL THOUGHTS Honestly, this review was for me. I needed this day, because prior to departing Atlanta I prayed my adventure would settle the chaos that has been rampant in my spirit from the hurried pace of life. The Bascom did just that! Thank you ladies for touching my spirit so deeply & completely. 2016/126 read more

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The experience of the Bascom is incredible. I was so impressed by the fact that this gem exists in a sleepy, mountain town. I loved every minute I spent on the grounds and found that everyone there was incredibly helpful as well as almost joyous with their assistance. I truly wish this experience was closer to where I live. This is a can't miss when in Highlands! read more

Very nice stroll, beautiful bowls, interesting facts I'd never known. A unique visit.

The Bascom is a joy to visit. Educational art classes for all ages. Ceramics studio barn allows for hands on work with clay, and the galleries have amazing exhibitions that change frequently during the year. Best of all...it was free to go in to see the building, which in itself was a delight. The covered bridge you cross to get to the main building is the second oldest in America. read more

The Bascom, A Center for the Visual Arts - Covered Bridge Cocktail party - Art Galleries Near Me - Highlands, North Carolina

What an arts hidden gem in middle of WNC! Great collections and my 9 year old loved the kids room!