BCAA & The BEAR
Events
Current Exhibit
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Current Exhibit •
Right now at The BEAR, you can experience a special exhibit featuring select pieces from the 2026 Bath County Art Show. If you missed the show or just want another chance to soak in this year's incredible artwork, this is your opportunity. The exhibit also includes a heartfelt dedication section honoring Perlista Henry, celebrating her contributions to our arts community. Stop by and see these wonderful works in person, we would love to have you visit.
Workshop | Mahjong for Beginners 7/22
Learn how to play Mahjong!
$30 per person (includes all materials)
Workshop | Canning 101 with Laura Macklem of Num Num Farms
An introduction to the essential skill of water canning!
$50 per person (includes all materials)
Community Event | Pickin' at The BEAR July
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
BEAR Country Store | July
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Workshop | Living Arts Gathering
SING, MOVE, PLAY!
Resonating from the Inside Out
An Exploration of Voice, Movement, and Presence with Annalisa Tornfelt and Cornelia Hodges
$30 | Limited to 15 participants
Workshop | Mah Jong for Beginners
Learn how to play Mahjong!
$30 per person (includes all materials)
Exhibit | Celebrating the 250th Through Quilts
NEW EXHIBIT – Join us for the final installment of our exhibition "Quilts of Bath County" just in time to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.
Missoula Children’s Theatre 2026
BCAA is pleased to bring a Missoula Children’s Theatre residency to Bath County.
Missoula Children’s Theatre presents Beauty Lou and the Country Beast, an original country western adaptation of the classic fairy tale Beauty and the Beast.
Workshop | DIY: Decorate Your Own Apron!
Decorate your own apron for summer cook-outs!
$20 per person (includes all materials)
Workshop | Hayfever Square Dance with Ellen and Eugene Ratcliffe & Mudhole Control
Hayfever Square Dance with Ellen at The BEAR
FREE - fun for the whole family
Community Event | Pickin' at The BEAR
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
BEAR Country Store | June
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Speaker Series | “Edward Beyer and the Jeffersonian Landscape” with Jeffrey Ruggles
Join historian and photographer Jeffrey Ruggles at our next Speaker Series “Edward Beyer and the Jeffersonian Landscape”
$10 per person (includes light refreshments)
Workshop | Make Your Own Sketchbook
Join us for this intensive introduction into bookbinding!
$25 per person (includes all materials)
Workshop | DIY: Summer Book Bedazzling
Add some sparkle to your summer read!
$10 per person (includes all materials)
Food For Thought – Free Community Mental Health Awareness Month Event
Bath Community Hospital invites the community to attend Food For Thought, a free Mental Health Awareness Month event focused on supporting physical and mental wellness through education, nutrition, and community connection.
Event | Conversation with Art Show Judge Jeffrey W. Allison
We'll discuss the ins and outs of what artists can do to improve the presentation of their work, drawing on his 35+ years of experience judging art shows and artist grant applications.
Free
Community Event | Pickin' at The BEAR
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
BEAR Country Store | May
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Speaker Series | “Textile Treasures from Southern Appalachia” with Kathleen Curtis Wilson
Join Textile Historian Kathleen Curtis Wilson to explore the textures and patterns of Southern Appalachia.
$10 per person (includes light refreshments)
Workshop | Springtime Water Color with Abigail Dufour
Join Abigail Dufour to paint your way into spring!
$50 per person (includes all materials)
Workshop | Square Dancing with Ellen and Eugene Ratcliffe
Learn the basics of Square Dancing from Ellen and Eugene Ratcliffe.
FREE
Community Event | Pickin' at Bath County High School
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
Community Event | Pickin' At The BEAR March
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
Workshop | Beginner's Chess Clinic
Learn the basics of Chess with Snoop!
$10 per person | Seating limited to 15 | Preregistration required
BEAR Country Store | March
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Family Hour | Story and Craft Time 3/14
Join us every Saturday at 10:00 AM for free story time and crafts. Each week features a new story and hands-on activity for families to enjoy together.
FREE
Workshop | Shower Steamer
Soothe away the winter chill with your very own Shower Steamer!
$55 per person (includes all materials) | Seating limited to 15 | Preregistration required
Family Hour | Story and Craft Time 2/28
Join us every Saturday at 10:00 AM for free story time and crafts. Each week features a new story and hands-on activity for families to enjoy together.
FREE
Speaker Series | “Rediscovering the House and Gardens at Roseloe Manor” with John Nowland
Perched atop Routier Hill with commanding views of the Warm Springs valley, Roseloe Manor is one of Bath County’s most enchanting homes.
$10 per person (includes light refreshments) | Seating limited to 50 | Preregistration required
Exhibit Reception | Quilts of Bath County
The BEAR is excited to present our new exhibition, “Quilts of Bath County.”
FREE
Want all our events in one place? Subscribe to The BEAR calendar and stay connected.
Art doesn't have to be lonely! Bring your own supplies and projects and create with others.
FREE
Open Studio will return — upcoming dates to be shared soon.
OPEN STUDIO TIME
Regular Programming
At The BEAR, we keep things simple: regular programs that bring people together to make, move, and enjoy.
There’s always something happening here. Take a look at what we offer and jump in whenever it works for you.
FAMILY HOUR | Story and Craft Time
Join us every Saturday at 11:30 AM for free story time and crafts. Each week features a new story and hands-on activity for families to enjoy together.
FREE
YOGA AT THE BEAR
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness.
Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome!
$15 / 1 Class · $60 / 5 Classes
Thursdays 6-7pm | Sundays 4-5pm
BEAR COUNTRY STORE
Every second Saturday of the month
11AM–5PM
The BEAR Country Store is a community favorite! Each month features different local vendors, crafts, family-friendly activities, Pickin' at The BEAR (3–5PM), story time, board games, and plenty of fun for all ages.
Stop in, shop small, and spend the day with us.
FREE ENTRY
Do you make original art, crafts, or handmade goods?
We’d love to have you join us for our monthly BEAR Country Store at The BEAR!
It’s a wonderful opportunity to share your work, connect with the community, and be part of a fun, welcoming day. We’d love to hear from you!
If you're having trouble signing up for a ticket, we may be sold out.
Please fill out this form to be added to our waitlist.
What’s Happening in Bath County
This shared community calendar, provided by Visit Bath, highlights events happening throughout Bath County.
Explore what’s coming up across the region—including arts, culture, and events we’re proud to be part of.
Celebrating Art in Our Community
Bath County is alive with creativity, and BCAA is proud to support and promote the many arts events happening throughout our community. Whether at fairs, immersive experiences, or gallery events, art is happening for everyone to enjoy.
Explore the vibrant arts scene we’re helping bring to life!
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Lavender Watercolor & Lunch with Molly ReederLavender Watercolor & Lunch with Molly Reeder
5/30 | 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
The workshop will involve learning the basics around watercolor while using fresh lavender for our muses/subjects. No experience is needed, you will learn how to get started with a watercolor and create paintings using wet on dry techniques.
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Annual Lavender Festival
6/6 | 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Join Moseymore Lavender Farm on Saturday June 6 for a fun family day on the farm. They will have a multitude of vendors selling their crafts, food and music. It will be a great day to celebrate lavender and embrace nature.
Please leave all pets at home.
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Missoula Children’s Theatre
Beauty Lou and the
Country BeastJune 15-20, 2026 | Bath County High School Auditorium
BCAA is pleased to bring a Missoula Children’s Theatre residency to Bath County.
An audition will be held for the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) production of Beauty Lou and the Country Beast June 15, 2026 from 10 am - noon. Those auditioning should arrive at 9:50 am and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.
Fill out the form below to pre-register. Same-day signups are welcome.
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Making Mosaics at the Red House
6/6 - 6/7 | 2:00 - 5:00 PM
There’s only one thing you are required to do on Saturday—PLAY!
There is no right or wrong to mosaics, no parameters you have to satisfy, just use your imagination and play. See you Saturday!
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VMFA Talk – Edward Beyer and the Jeffersonian Landscape
6/7 | 3:00 PM
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Sixth Annual CRPA Artist Retreat at Fort Lewis
MAY 3 – 7, 2026 | Fort Lewis Lodge and Farms
Dear BCAA members and artists,
Please join us for the spring Cowpasture River Preservation Association Artists Retreat to be held Sunday, May 3 to Thursday, May 7 at Fort Lewis Lodge and Farms.
Application Deadline is February 16. -
The 24th Annual Bath Bluegrass Jamboree
Saturday, April 11 | Bath County High School Auditorium
Allegheny Mountain Radio presents the 24th Annual Bath Bluegrass Jamboree. The event will feature headliner Nothin’ Fancy, a nationally recognized bluegrass band, with support from Wound Tight, a Southwest Virginia group playing traditional and original bluegrass, and Franklin Station, a five-piece band blending classic bluegrass, gospel, and country.
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The Red House Residency
The Red House Residency offers emerging and established women artists a two-week solo retreat in remote Bath County, Virginia. Hosted by Amanda McGuire and Bill Reagan at Sycamore Bend farm, this residency provides a quiet space for reflection, focus, and artistic practice.
In exchange for lodging, participating artists are asked to host one small public event, such as a workshop, reading, or performance, within the local community.
For the summer of 2026, three residency sessions are available:
- RHR 1: Friday, May 22nd – Friday, June 6th
- RHR 2: Monday, August 31st – Monday, September 14th
- RHR 3: Tuesday, September 15th – Tuesday, September 29th
Please visit Red House Residency on Facebook, or email rhresidency2021@gmail.com with questions. Application is also available under Red House Residency tab on sycamorebendontheriver.com
Intentions to apply welcomed until February 28th.