As we move into February, we hope everyone is staying warm and safe through this snowy Bath County winter. Even on the colder, quieter days, there is a lot happening. The BEAR continues to be a welcoming place to gather, and BCAA’s work beyond the space is moving forward as well, especially through our grants program. Seeing so many creative grant applications has been exciting, and we’re thankful to our Friends of BCAA and supporters who make this work possible. As winter continues, we are looking ahead to new exhibitions, gatherings, and grant-supported projects, and we are thankful to be building it together. |
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🧵 Quilts of Bath County exhibition opens 💘 BEAR Country Store Local Love Fest – Valentine’s Day, February 14 🧘 Winter Yoga classes – Thursdays 6–7pm & Sundays 9–10am 📚 Family Story and Craft Time – every Saturday at 10am 🎤 Speaker Series: Rediscovering Roseloe Manor – February 22 🌿 Workshop: Make your own Shower Steamers – February 28 🎶 Pickin’ At The BEAR – community jam 🎨 Primary Community and Education Grants – applications under review |
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February at The BEAR
Community Events, Workshops and Yoga
February is a full and cozy month at The BEAR. We’re celebrating Valentine’s season with a return of the BEAR Country Store, local vendors, music, and time to gather with friends and neighbors. We’re also excited to open our new exhibition, Quilts of Bath County, featuring beautiful work by local quilters and highlighting the skill, care, and tradition behind each piece.
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NEW EXHIBITION: Quilts of Bath County
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 4-6 pm. Stay tuned for upcoming quilting workshops and presentations.
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February Events
Alongside the exhibition, you’ll find weekly yoga classes, Family Story and Craft Time, a speaker event, and hands-on workshops throughout the month. Whether you’re stopping by for a specific event or just coming in to look around, there’s plenty happening, and we hope you’ll join us.
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BEAR Country Store
Saturday, February 14 · 11AM–5PM A Valentine’s Day Local Love Fest - Enjoy artisan vendors, free crafts, and pick-up chess games starting at 11am. |
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Pickin' At The BEAR
Saturday, February 14 · 3–5PM An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level! FREE |
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Exhibit Reception | Quilts of Bath County
Saturday, February 21 · 4–6PM The BEAR is excited to present our new exhibition, “Quilts of Bath County.” |
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Speaker Series | “Rediscovering the House and Gardens at Roseloe Manor” with John Nowland
Sunday, February 22 · 3–5PM Perched atop Routier Hill with commanding views of the Warm Springs valley, Roseloe Manor is one of Bath County’s most enchanting homes. |
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Workshop | Shower Steamer
Saturday, February 28 · 1–2:30PM Soothe away the winter chill with your very own Shower Steamer! |
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Regular Programming There’s always something happening here. Take a look at what we offer and jump in whenever it works for you. |
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Family Story and Craft Time Join us every Saturday at 10:00AM for free story time and crafts. Each week features a new story and hands-on activity for families to enjoy together. |
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Winter Yoga at The BEAR
An all-levels class focused on general body wellness. Strengthen and stretch in a breath-based flow. Beginners welcome! |
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January in Photos
Take a look at a few highlights from the month |
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January was full of wonderful moments at The BEAR. We kicked off our first Country Store and Pickin’ At The BEAR jam, and also enjoyed workshops, yoga, and family crafts. It was so nice to see the space being used in so many different ways, and we’re grateful to everyone who came, helped, or shared their talents. |
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ART OPPORTUNITIES IN BATH COUNTY |
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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. |
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| 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. |
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Abigail Dufour
We’re so excited to shine a spotlight on Abigail Dufour this month! Abigail has brought her incredible watercolor workshops to The BEAR, and they’ve been amazing. Her talent, patience, and love for teaching make every class a joy, and it’s been wonderful to watch everyone explore their creativity in new ways. We’re so grateful to Abigail for sharing her art with our community. If you haven’t seen her work yet, check it out on social media and get inspired! |
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Whether you’re available regularly or just once in a while, we’d love to have you involved. Volunteering is a great way to meet people, support local arts, and be part of a growing creative community. |
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Support The BEAR
Ways to help, give, and celebrate creativity |
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Help Stock the Space
Our Amazon Wish List includes everyday supplies and materials that support workshops, programs, and day-to-day operations at The BEAR. Every item helps us do more. |
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Thinking About a Private Event?
The BEAR is available for private rentals. If you’re planning a gathering, meeting, or creative event, our space offers a warm, flexible setting in the heart of Hot Springs. |
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S A V E T H E D A T E JUNE 27th – JULY 5th, 2026 |
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61st Bath County Art Show |
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We’re excited to share that planning is underway for the 61st Bath County Art Show. Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 27 through Sunday, July 5, 2026.
This long-running regional exhibition celebrates artists working across a wide range of media and styles and remains one of BCAA’s most cherished traditions.
More details, including calls for artists and special events, will be shared in the coming months. For now, mark your calendars and stay tuned. |
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Bath County’s home for creativity and connection. |
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Friday–Sunday, 11am – 4pm |
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Photo by Chromatic Expressions |
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Follow Along + Spread the Word |
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| Look for updates about BCAA & The BEAR. Follow us on social media and help us reach new artists, neighbors, and friends |
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