By Age Group
The Bascom is working towards creating a more integrated and user-friendly experience for our visitors. Please read the following information to familiarize yourself with the process.
How does it work?
Whenever you register for a class or workshop online, you'll be prompted to create a user account during the registration process. The information you provide there can then be used to log in here.
- Register for a Workshop
- Create your username and password during the registration process
- Check your email (Don't see it in your inbox? Check your junk/spam folder and mark it as not junk/spam)
- Click on the activation link in the email and... Voila! You're good to go!
Let’s put some Bling on your ceramic thing!
During this 3 day workshop, participants will make a plaster mold of low relief buttons and found objects that will then be used as “Sprigs”. The button sprigs along with low relief flowers and leaf forms will then be applied to various slab-built forms including- an oval casserole dish, a cup, and a plate form. Creating visually rich designed functional forms.
Pinch Pot Creatures
In this class students will use the pinch pot method to make a creature out of clay. We will give our real or imaginary creature distinctive features and explore a variety of techniques for creating texture. We will paint our work with glaze during class and pottery will be available to pick up two to three weeks after class.
Ages 5 and up
Internal Fire
This one week workshop will allow participants the opportunity to engage deeply with the firing process, exploring their own desire to understand this element of the ceramic process. We will focus on the details and choices to consider when using a soda kiln as a primary tool for finishing your work. Participants will bring bisque ware to be glazed and fired, and will participate in the entire process including loading, firing, and especially unloading of the kiln.
Slab Built Ceramics
In this class students will work with the slab roller to create a plate, bowl, vase or other functional piece of pottery. We will use texture mats, rollers and stamps to personalize our pottery. Students will choose a glaze to finish their work and pottery will be available for pickup two to three weeks after class.
Ages 5 and up
Inner Secrets
Our ancestors all had stories and secrets; some are passed down through the generations and others are kept hidden forever. Often, it’s the secrets of the heart that are kept under wraps. Let’s create a sculpture that tells a story of those secrets, either current day or past! All skill levels welcome as we create a bust (male or female) in this three day workshop.
Kids Handbuilding Workshop
Come try out different methods of handbuilding pottery. In this three-day workshop we will explore pinch pots and using slabs to create functional and decorative ceramics. Student work will be finished in a variety of ways, including underglaze and glaze, and will be fired after the class and available for pickup in two to three weeks.
Ages 5 and up
Trays All Kinds of Ways
If you want to learn how to make all kinds of different serving trays and unique dishes, then this is the class for you!
We will cover a variety of hand building techniques such as slab construction, coiling, pinching, carving and cutting to give you the skills to make any kind of tray that you can dream up.
This class will include both daily demonstrations and hands-on instruction in a fun and supportive environment that will help you unlock your hand building potential.
Kids Wheel Workshop
Get your hands in clay and try out making pottery on the wheel. Students will practice the basics of learning to center and throwing small bowls, cups and plates. Work will be fired and glazed after the class and be available for pickup in two to three weeks.
Ages 8 and up
Double Vision: Hot Surfaces and Cold Finishes
Dive into the world of ceramic surface with this ceramic glaze workshop led by acclaimed ceramic sculptors Thaddeus Erdahl and Beau Raymond. Join this unique experience where creativity meets technique as you explore the magic of glaze, slips, underglazes and the art of layering. Uncover the secrets behind captivating surfaces, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors. Whether you're a seasoned ceramicist or a novice, this workshop promises to elevate your skills and inspire a new level of artistic expression. Surface shouldn’t be an afterthought. Let’s make it the star of the show! It’s about layering, carving, sanding and revealing the magic within. In this workshop, we’ll reveal everything you need to know and introduce you to some trade secrets.
August Youth Pottery: Clay Pumpkins
Using the pinching method, students will learn how to create a pumpkin shape. We will also explore various methods for finishing such as underglaze, stains, and glaze.
Class Meets:
August 15th, 22nd, and 29th
Ages 5 and up
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Visit: 323 Franklin Road
Highlands, NC 28741 (Map It)
Call: 828-526-4949 (Main)
828-787-2892 (Ceramics Studio)
Funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts. Learn more at SouthArts.org.
Funding is due in part to a Tourism Grant with Visit Highlands, NC. Learn more HighlandsChamber.org