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Transformative Power of Art
Written By: Billy Love, The Bascom | Issue: December 2024
There’s magic and beauty for sale at The Bascom Shop – and a warm serving of love and compassion.
The holiday season holds unique significance for each of us.
For some, it’s a time to savor seasonal recipes shared around tables with friends and family. For others, it’s about gathering with loved ones, traveling great distances to celebrate the magic of the season. Many find deep meaning in religious traditions, while the exchange of gifts becomes a heartfelt expression of gratitude and love. And with this tradition comes the familiar activity of holiday shopping.
At The Bascom Shop, shopping is more than just a transaction – it’s an opportunity to support the creative economy of Western North Carolina and contribute to The Bascom’s mission. By offering unique, handmade items crafted by over 150 local and regional artists, The Bascom Shop invites shoppers to invest directly in the creative livelihood of these creatives. Most of the works are sold on a commission basis, ensuring that a significant portion of each sale goes back to the artist.
Each year, The Bascom Shop generates over $200,000 in revenue for artists on the Plateau and surrounding communities, strengthening our local creative economy.
After the devastation of Hurricane Helene, it was the collective generosity of our community that made a meaningful difference.
The Bascom dedicated a day’s proceeds from the Shop to the North Carolina Arts Council’s Relief Fund, and thanks to the support of our shoppers, we raised over $3,400 to aid recovery efforts. Many of the artists represented in the shop were directly impacted by the hurricane, and purchasing their work continues to play a vital role in their economic recovery and ongoing livelihoods.
As we enter the holiday season, it’s a time to reflect on the meaning behind our traditions. The giving of gifts is a timeless way to express kindness, gratitude, and love. By shopping mindfully this year, we can extend that kindness further by supporting the artists and communities who need it most.
Let your holiday shopping at The Bascom not only spread cheer, but also create lasting impact through your support of those who inspire and enrich our lives through the transformative power of art.
