The arrival of summer brings renewed energy to The Bascom’s studios, where creativity flourishes among young artists from across the Plateau.
Central to this summer season is the Hughes Children’s Studio, where a diverse schedule of youth workshops offers students the opportunity to explore artistic expression in a variety of mediums.
At the heart of these programs is The Bascom’s commitment to innovative arts education – supported in part by the annual Education Fellowship.
This year, The Bascom is pleased to welcome Leslie McDonald as the 2025 Education Fellow. Leslie is an experienced visual arts teacher who has spent the past 18 years teaching at Walhalla Middle School in South Carolina, where she cultivates a love of art among her students. A lifelong learner herself, Leslie enjoys exploring new ideas and techniques in watercolor, and she brings a spirit of curiosity and adventure to her teaching.
Outside the classroom, Leslie finds inspiration in the natural world, notably through her recent completion of the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile trek through the Appalachian foothills.
In addition to welcoming a seasonal educator, The Bascom is thrilled to introduce Caryn Raming as its new Community Engagement Associate. Caryn brings decades of teaching experience across public schools, private studios, and summer arts programs. She holds a BA in Studio Art (1991) and a BFA with an Art Education Concentration (2023) from Western Carolina University, where she was recognized with the BFA Art Education Outstanding Prospective Teacher Award.
Caryn’s teaching philosophy – rooted in listening, integrity, and honest hard work – reflects her commitment to fostering inclusive, community-driven learning environments. At The Bascom, Caryn will play a key role in supporting youth programming, developing community partnerships, and expanding access to the arts on the Plateau year-round.
This summer’s offerings include hands-on workshops in clay, watercolor, printmaking, felting, mixed media, and more—inviting young artists to explore diverse mediums and discover their creative voices. Workshops will run throughout the summer, and scholarships may be available for those in need of financial assistance, in keeping with The Bascom’s commitment to making the arts accessible for all.
Please join us in welcoming Leslie McDonald and Caryn Raming to The Bascom this summer. We look forward to an inspiring season ahead!
Favorites Count: 0