2023 HIGHLANDS NC EXPERIENCE GUIDE
THE ARTS ARE ALIVE
Highlands’ arts scene flourishes with visual inspiration and community support.
BY LUKE OSTEEN
F
or a town with just more than 1,000 year-round res- idents, Highlands main- tains an astonishingly rich arts scene.
Most are members of the Art League of Highlands-Cashiers, who meet monthly at The Bascom: Center for Visual Arts. “We gather for a presentation by a well-known artist and to exchange ideas and encourage one another,” says the league’s Zach Claxton. “We also stage two shows – the Summer Colors Art Show and Fall Colors Art Show – that allow us to showcase our work.” The Bascom also serves as a gallery for those artists and offers work- shops and classes to help them re- fine their talents. Artists’ works are represented in The Bascom Shop and opportunities for residencies and exhibitions abound.
“Through the generous support of our donors and partner organiza- tions, The Bascom strives to keep the visual arts a vibrant and vi- tal part of our community,” says Executive Director Karin Peterson. “Our commitment to quality and ac- cess means that everyone has free admission to 10 exhibitions annu- ally, in addition to public programs like Community Day, set for July 1.” Each year, The Bascom selects an ar- tistic theme to guide their work. The 2023 theme is “Origins,” which will focus in part on artistic inspiration. Additionally, local artists’ works are displayed at The Gallery at Highlands within Cabin Couture. Owner Cherry Bittick’s gallery has
There’s a gallery displaying a pre- cisely curated collection of paint- ings, sculpture and other works, an expansive new performing arts facility, an art museum that has earned a regional reputation, and musical performances that range from local bluegrass staged at pubs to live performances downtown to a chamber music festival that’s recognized internationally. And it’s all supported by a vibrant com- munity of artists and artisans and their patrons.
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