Herbert Creecy, Untitled, 1983, Acrylic on Canvas, Collection of The Bascom
(a work from Inspiring and Empowering: A Journey Through The Bascom’s Exhibition Legacy)
For four decades, The Bascom has championed meaningful connections through the visual arts, enriching lives and strengthening communities through accessible, creative engagement.
As the institution marks its 40th anniversary, its spring and summer exhibitions offer a reflective exploration of its evolution and impact through two retrospectives: Inspiring & Empowering: A Journey Through The Bascom’s Exhibition Legacy and Looking Back: A Retrospective of The Bascom’s Artists-in-Residence Program.
Inspiring & Empowering opens in the Bunzl Gallery on May 10. This retrospective revisits the exhibitions, artists, and initiatives that have shaped The Bascom’s mission over four decades, showcasing the breadth of artistic expression that has filled its galleries – from site-integrated outdoor sculptures to experimental installations that have engaged and challenged audiences.
Looking Back opens May 24 in the Thompson Gallery, tracing the evolution of The Bascom’s Artist-in-Residence program and its lasting impact on artists. Featuring work from past residents across multiple disciplines – including painting, ceramics, and mixed media – this exhibition contextualizes the program’s legacy of artistic innovation and professional growth. Through this retrospective, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the creative paths of these resident artists and the profound influence The Bascom and its surrounding community have had on their practices.
To celebrate these exhibitions, The Bascom will host a free public reception on June 12 at 5:00 P.M., honoring Inspiring & Empowering, Looking Back, and the Photography Resident Exhibition by resident artist, Margaret Adams. This reception invites the community to reflect on The Bascom’s legacy, engage with artists, and celebrate the people who have helped shape its journey. As always, admission to The Bascom’s galleries is free of charge.
More than a commemoration of The Bascom’s 40 years, these exhibitions represent an ongoing dialogue between past and future, paying tribute to the visual traditions that continue to shape The Bascom and its creative community.
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