For over 40 years, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts has opened its doors to tens of thousands through free exhibitions, community outreach, and artist support programs. As we reflect on this season of thanksgiving, we extend heartfelt gratitude to the donors whose generosity makes our work possible, to the artists and makers who inspire us, and to the community members who fill our spaces with energy and joy. Each plays an essential role in helping The Bascom create experiences that empower and connect.
Through its Creative Community Initiative, The Bascom’s Outreach Program extends the power of art far beyond the campus, reaching thousands each year, including 1,500 youth. These programs bring creative opportunities to classrooms, senior centers, libraries, and gathering spaces across Macon and Jackson Counties, ensuring that everyone—regardless of age or background—has access to the arts.
“This year alone, The Bascom has offered over 50 outreach opportunities, bringing art to more than 3,000 people in our community,” shares Community Engagement Manager Priscilla Galloway. “Our goal is to make the arts accessible to everyone, and these programs are meaningful to people of all ages on the Plateau and beyond.”
Among those helping make this work possible are Ceramics Artist-Educator Ester Lipscomb and Community Engagement Associate Caryn Raming, both of whom lead programs that connect artmaking with community. For Ester, relationships are at the heart of her teaching.
“My job at The Bascom is to teach ceramics, and one of my favorite things about it is working with all kinds of people,” she says. “I teach all ages, from homeschoolers and afterschool programs to the Cashiers Senior Center and everything in between.”
Her outreach includes school visits, field trips, and events like Game of Shrooms and the Highlands Chamber’s Halloween on Main scavenger hunt, where participants search for tiny ceramic works created by students. “It’s a gift to work somewhere where people walk in and say with love in their voice, ‘I’m in my happy place.’”
Caryn shares that same sense of purpose. “What stands out most is seeing that big ‘ah-ha’ moment when someone learns something new,” she reflects. “They gain confidence, joy, and connection. Even adults assisting students tell me they wish they had teachers like this growing up.”
As we close out the year, The Bascom offers heartfelt gratitude to all who make our mission possible. The work we do together creates opportunities to learn, reflect, grow, and connect through the visual arts. Thank you.
Learn more about The Bascom’s Creative Community Initiative at thebascom.org.
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