BCAA & The BEAR
Events
Current Exhibit
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Current Exhibit •
Illumination
An Exploration Of Light In The Dark Months Of The Year
As the days shorten and the nights grow longer, our relationship with light changes.
The glare that once woke us from sleep is gone. The threat of sunburn all but disappears.
Light becomes something rarer — a visitor we rush to greet in its few appearances as fall folds into winter.
Workshop | Beginner knitting: holiday scarves
Knit a scarf in time for the holidays. Over four Saturday mornings, Irina Nemirovsky walks you through the basic skills, one step at a time, until you have a scarf of your own.
$60 for 4 classes
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7 & Nov 14 · Needles provided · Ages 12+
Workshop | Kinusaiga: no-sew quilting
Cheryl Thompson shows you how over two hours, and all materials are included.
$45 per person | All materials included
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 10/25
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
Lord of the Rings Reading Group | The Two Towers
Calling all Tolkien fans!
October: The Two Towers
FREE - Register Now
Performance | Poetry slam night
Come celebrate the artists of 2026 A Second Look.
Registration required · Light refreshments · Art pick-up 3–4 PM
$5 Entry
Workshop | Beginner knitting: holiday scarves – Class 2
Knit a scarf in time for the holidays. Over four Saturday mornings, Irina Nemirovsky walks you through the basic skills, one step at a time, until you have a scarf of your own.
$60 for 4 classes
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7 & Nov 14 · Needles provided · Ages 12+
Workshop | Sip & paint: watercolor pumpkins with Abigail Dufour
Sip, paint, and let your creativity flow with Abigail Dufour
$45 per ticket | Includes all materials and one drink
Workshop | Kids paint pumpkins
While grown-ups sip and paint, kids get a pumpkin class of their own. Ages 3 and up fill in a pumpkin design, and ages 6 and up learn to design their own from start to finish.
$5 per ticket | Includes all materials
Workshop | Beginner knitting: holiday scarves – Class 3
Knit a scarf in time for the holidays. Over four Saturday mornings, Irina Nemirovsky walks you through the basic skills, one step at a time, until you have a scarf of your own.
$60 for 4 classes
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7 & Nov 14 · Needles provided · Ages 12+
Workshop | Beginner knitting: holiday scarves – Class 4
Knit a scarf in time for the holidays. Over four Saturday mornings, Irina Nemirovsky walks you through the basic skills, one step at a time, until you have a scarf of your own.
$60 for 4 classes
Oct 24, Oct 31, Nov 7 & Nov 14 · Needles provided · Ages 12+
Lord of the Rings Reading Group | Return of The King
Calling all Tolkien fans!
Return of The King
FREE - Register Now
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 10/18
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
Reception | Illumination – Special Fundraising Preview Night
Be among the first to see Illumination before it opens to the public — an evening of cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, and a first look at the exhibition at The BEAR.
$75 per person
Reception | A Second Look: artist reception
Come celebrate the artists of 2026 A Second Look.
Registration required · Light refreshments · Art pick-up 3–4 PM
FREE
Workshop | Mask making for the season – Session 2
Make a mask for the season at The BEAR.
Free for kids.
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 10/8
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
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 10/4
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
Workshop | Poetry slam workshop
Noelle Corley leads an afternoon on writing and performing slam poetry.
FREE
Workshop | Mask making for the season
Make a mask for the season at The BEAR.
Free for kids.
Collaboration | Moving Mountains Dance Classes at The BEAR 10/2
Moving Mountains Dance Classes are coming to the BEAR in September.
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 10/1
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
Workshop | Poetry Slam Workshop with Noelle Corley
Join us for this workshop instructed by Noelle Corley
FREE
Lord of the Rings Reading Group | The Fellowship of the Ring
Calling all Tolkien fans!
September: The Fellowship of the Ring
FREE - Register Now
Regular Programming | Volunteer Docent Program
We're hoping to start a more regular volunteer docent program — folks who could help The BEAR run smoothly on an ongoing basis. If you're curious about what that could look like, come learn more. No commitment required.
Workshop | Making Traditional Hex Signs
In this hands-on, all-ages workshop, you'll learn the history behind hex signs and create your own to take home.
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 9/24
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
Collaboration | Moving Mountains Dance Classes at The BEAR 9/22
Moving Mountains Dance Classes are coming to the BEAR in September.
Community Event | Football Spirit Crafts at The BEAR
Come enjoy a lovely afternoon creating football spirit Crafts
FREE | Limited Sitting
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 9/17
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
Collaboration | Moving Mountains Dance Classes at The BEAR 9/15
Moving Mountains Dance Classes are coming to the BEAR in September.
Workshop | "Word, Image, Sound: the Pieces that Make a Poem" with Terry Rae Hall
In this workshop, participants will use the ingredients of word, image, and sound to create three poems. Please bring (or have access to electronically) a photograph with you in it.
FREE
Community Event | Pickin' at The BEAR September
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
BEAR Country Store | September
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Living Arts Gathering Events - MYTHIC EXPLORATION AND THE EMBODIED STORY
These workshops are designed to build on one another, with the themes and discoveries of Mythic Exploration informing the afternoon's Embodied Story experience. Participants are welcome to attend both workshops or choose the one that speaks most to them.
Regular Programming | Yoga at The BEAR 9/10
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
Speaker Series | “Neither Are Crows”: A Poetry Reading by Terry Rae Hall
A Poetry Reading by Terry Rae Hall
$10 | Includes light refreshments
Workshop | “From Spaghetti Westerns to Cell Phones” - Photography Workshop with Danny Cardwell
Participants should bring their smartphones!
FREE – Registration is appreciated
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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Public Hearing - Hot Springs Historical District with Preservation Bath
August 17th | 5-7pm
Join this open hearing at The BEAR
2833 Main Street Hot Springs, VA -
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.