BCAA & The BEAR
Events
In partnership with the new Bath County Quilter’s Guild, The BEAR is excited to present our new exhibition, “Quilts of Bath County.” Beginning in mid February, visitors can appreciate the dexterity and skill of our local quilters through their beautiful creations. The official exhibit reception will take place Saturday, February 21st from 4-6pm. Stay tuned for upcoming quilting workshops and presentations.
New Exhibit
•
New Exhibit •
BEAR Country Store | March
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Community Event | Pickin' At The BEAR March
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
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
Family Hour | Story and Craft Time 2/21
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
Community Event | Pickin' At The BEAR February
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
BEAR Country Store | February
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
Family Hour | Story and Craft Time 2/14
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
Family Story and Craft Time 2/7
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
Community Event | "A Second Look" Artist Reception
The final chance to take "A Second Look" with the exhibits artists.
FREE
Workshop | Monochrome Winter Watercolor with Abigail Dufour
Explore tone and depth in your painting with this special winter workshop!
$40 per person (includes all materials)
Community Event | Pickin' At The BEAR
An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level!
FREE
BEAR Country Store
Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR
A Saturday for the whole family
FREE Entrance
The BEAR’s First Winter Gathering
Caroling, wassail, and a celebratory toast to our first winter in the space—and to the community who made it possible.
PARADE DAY - Open House and Vendors at the BEAR
Join us at the BEAR to enjoy the Hot Springs Christmas Parade. We’ll have free hands-on holiday crafts, warm drinks, and a selection of local vendors for your final holiday shopping!
Vendors and Crafts start at 10am
Parade at 2pm
Workshop | Winter Gnome Sewing
Craft your own Winter Gnome from felt, just in time for the Holidays!
$15 per person (includes all materials)
Workshop | Ceramic Ornament Painting
Paint your own ceramic holiday ornament! Charlottesville potter Ruby Shrestha will lead students through basic glaze painting techniques on her hand-crafted ornaments. Tuition includes all materials and two ornaments.
$30 per person (includes all materials)
Open Studio Time 11/23
Art doesn't have to be lonely! Bring your own supplies and projects and create with others. We're hoping this will become a regular weekly event and we're looking for input on scheduling. Attend one of our experimental sessions or reach out and let us know what you think!
FREE
Yoga at The BEAR 11/20
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness. Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome!
$15 per class | Bring your own yoga mat and towel
Yoga at The BEAR 11/19
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness. Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome!
$15 per class | Bring your own yoga mat and towel
Workshop | Beginning Fused Glass Nightlight Class with Janis Peery
Add a warm, artistic glow to your home or create the perfect handmade holiday gift! In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll design and assemble a stunning fused glass nightlight using colorful glass frit and pieces of glass. No prior experience is necessary-just bring your creativity!
$55 per person (includes all materials) | Seating limited to 7 | Preregistration required
Yoga at The BEAR 11/13
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness. Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome!
$15 per class | Bring your own yoga mat and towel
Yoga at The BEAR 11/12
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness. Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome!
$15 per class | Bring your own yoga mat and towel
Open Studio Time 11/12
Art doesn't have to be lonely! Bring your own supplies and projects and create with others. We're hoping this will become a regular weekly event and we're looking for input on scheduling. Attend one of our experimental sessions or reach out and let us know what you think!
FREE
Speaker Series | “Bach, Banjos and the Hero’s Journey” with John Bullard
Discover the unlikely harmony of Bach and banjo. Join John Bullard for an inspiring solo program that blends classical music, Bluegrass, and storytelling through the lens of the hero’s journey.
$10 per person (includes light refreshments)
Open Studio Time 11/6
Art doesn't have to be lonely! Bring your own supplies and projects and create with others. We're hoping this will become a regular weekly event and we're looking for input on scheduling. Attend one of our experimental sessions or reach out and let us know what you think!
FREE
Yoga at The BEAR 11/5
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness. Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome!
$15 per class | Bring your own yoga mat and towel
Family Story and Craft Time | Shake Dem Halloween Bones
Join us this Saturday, October 25 at 11:30 AM for our Family Story & Craft Time! We’ll read Shake Dem Halloween Bones and make a fun Halloween-themed craft together.
Free while supplies last.
Chargers Spirits Crafts 10/24
Join us at The BEAR before the next three home games from 4-6pm to craft the Bath County way! Free while supplies last. Decorate your own cowbell, pendant flag, or plastic megaphone to show your Charger Spirit!
Don't forget to head across the street for the Tailgate at Claire's.
Speaker Series | “An Evening with Britain’s Royal Artist in Residence” with Jeremy Houghton
Discover the untold stories behind Windsor Castle, Wimbledon, the London Olympics, and more as acclaimed painter Jeremy Houghton shares his journey of capturing extraordinary places and rare subjects through art.
$10 per person (includes light refreshments)
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 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
WINTER 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 9-10am
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!
-
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.
-
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.