The Bascom’s Clay Symposiums

Written By: Bianca Mitchell, Director of Marketing, The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts | Issue:

The Bascom: A Center for the Visual Arts has set the return of its celebrated Clay Symposiums in 2025. These dynamic events offer ceramic artists, collectors, and enthusiasts a rare opportunity to explore the transformative power of clay through interactive demonstrations, insightful keynote addresses, and an accompanying exhibition.

Postponed from 2024 due to Hurricane Helene, the 14th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium: Symbolism in Expressive Narrative has been rescheduled for April 11–12, while the 15th Annual Clay Symposium: Forms of Inspiration will take place as planned on September 26–27, coinciding with The Bascom’s milestone 40th-anniversary celebrations.

The 14th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium: Symbolism in Expressive Narrative will feature distinguished ceramic artists —Christine Kosiba, Andréa Keys Connell, and Taylor Robenalt —specializing in animal and figurative sculpture. Attendees will experience artist demonstrations, a keynote address by Stephanie Moore, Executive Director of The Center for Craft (Asheville), and a public reception followed by a show and sale of the artists’ work.

These exclusive pieces, created by the participating artists, will be available during the symposium, offering a special opportunity for attendees to acquire unique works that are not typically available in The Bascom’s retail space.

Schedule of Events

Friday, April 11

4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Keynote Address by Stephanie Moore, followed by a reception and show/sale of the featured artists’ works in The Bascom’s Greehey Atrium Gallery.

Saturday, April 12

10:00 A.M. – Noon: Artist demonstrations by Christine Kosiba, Andréa Keys Connell, and Taylor Robenalt.
1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.: Continuation of artist demonstrations.

The 15th Annual Bascom Clay Symposium: Forms of Inspiration will focus on figurative ceramic sculpture, showcasing the work of Kirsten Stingle, Natasha Dikareva, and Thaddeus Erdahl, each known for their innovative approaches to clay and mixed media. The keynote address will be delivered by Bethany Chaney, Executive Director of the John C. Campbell Folk School, followed by a public reception.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy the accompanying exhibition, Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium, where select works by the participating artists will be available for purchase. This provides a rare chance to collect distinctive pieces that reflect the artists’ unique styles and extraordinary craftsmanship.

Schedule of Events

Friday, September 26

4:00 P.M. – 5:00 P.M.: Keynote Address by Bethany Chaney, followed by a public reception.

Saturday, September 27

10:00 A.M. – Noon and 1:00 P.M. – 4:00 P.M.: Artist demonstrations by Kirsten Stingle, Natasha Dikareva, and Thaddeus Erdahl.

A special exhibition, Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of the Bascom Clay Symposium, will
complement the Fall Symposium.

Exhibition Dates:

Joel Gallery: August 30 to November 29

Fall Exhibitions Reception: September 4. 5:00 P.M.

This reception will celebrate The Bascom’s fall exhibitions, including:

Forms of Inspiration: Ceramic Artists of The Bascom Clay Symposium

Chatov: A Retrospective of Works by Roman, Constantin, and Marc Chatov

Community Call: History of Highlands

Celebrating 40 Years of The Bascom

As The Bascom celebrates its 40th anniversary, the Clay Symposia exemplify the organization’s commitment to fostering creativity and building community through the visual arts. For 15 years, The Bascom Clay Symposium has brought together luminaries such as Ben Owen III, Michael Sherrill, Cynthia Bringle, Cristina Córdova, and Jim Connell. In 2025, this rich tradition continues, offering dynamic and inspiring experiences for both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to the world of clay.

Thanks to the generosity of Bascom sponsors, both symposiums and the accompanying Fall exhibition are free and open to the public, inviting everyone to participate—whether they drop in or attend the entire event.