March is beginning to bring a hint of spring to Bath County, and with it comes renewed energy at The BEAR. As the days grow a little longer, we’re excited to welcome everyone back into the space for music, workshops, family programs, exhibitions, and time spent together with neighbors and friends.
This month also brings the results of our BEAR mascot name vote! Thank you to everyone who participated online and stopped by to vote in person. We’re happy to introduce Artie the BEAR. You’ll be seeing more of Artie around The BEAR in the coming months, helping us share stories, highlight programs, and celebrate creativity in Bath County. Stay tuned. We have some fun ideas ahead. |
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🧸 Meet Artie the BEAR — our newly named mascot 🧵 Quilts of Bath County exhibition continues 🛍️ BEAR Country Store – local vendors and community gathering – 3/14 ♟️ Beginner’s Chess Clinic with Snoop + Open Chess Games – 3/14 🎶 Pickin’ at The BEAR – community acoustic jam – 3/14 🧘 Yoga classes continue at The BEAR – Thu & Sun 📚 Family Hour every Saturday |
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March at The BEAR
Community Events, Workshops and Yoga
March is shaping up to be another lively month at The BEAR. Our Quilts of Bath County exhibition continues this month, and visitors have been loving the opportunity to get a closer look at the craftsmanship and creativity of local quilters.
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Current Exhibit Quilts of Bath County |
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| In partnership with the new Bath County Quilter’s Guild, The BEAR is excited to present our new exhibition, Quilts of Bath County. Stay tuned for upcoming quilting workshops and presentations.
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March Events
Alongside the exhibition, you’ll find music, chess, family programming, and community gatherings throughout the month. We hope you’ll stop by, bring a friend, and spend some time with us. |
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BEAR Country Store
Saturday, March 14 · 11AM–5PM Enjoy artisan vendors, free crafts, and pick-up chess games starting at 11am. Then join us for Pickin’ At The BEAR for another wonderful community jam. |
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Pickin' At The BEAR
Saturday, March 14 · 3–5PM An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level! FREE |
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Beginner's Chess Clinic
Saturday, March 14 · 12–1PM Learn the basics of chess with Snoop! |
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Regular Programming There’s always something happening at The BEAR. Our regular programming continues throughout the month and offers welcoming opportunities for families, neighbors, and visitors to connect. |
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| Family Hour | Free 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. |
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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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February in Photos
Take a look at a few highlights from the month |
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February was a wonderful month at The BEAR. We celebrated the opening of the Quilts of Bath County exhibition and gathered for the artist reception, where visitors had the chance to meet the talented quilters behind the work. The space was also filled with yoga classes, family craft mornings, workshops, and community conversations. |
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ART OPPORTUNITIES IN BATH COUNTY |
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Become a Vendor at The BEAR Country Store!
Every second Saturday of the month from 11AM–5PM
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! Held every second Saturday of the month from 11AM–5PM, the Country Store is a community favorite featuring local vendors, family-friendly activities, live “Pickin’ at The BEAR” (3–5PM), story time, board games, and more. Our next market is March 14, and we’re currently looking for local artisans. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share your work, connect with the community, and be part of a fun, welcoming day — with free entry for visitors. We’d love to hear from you! |
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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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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT
Cheryl Thompson
This month we’re excited to spotlight Cheryl Thompson, one of the talented quilters featured in our Quilts of Bath County exhibition and the owner of Tender Heart Quilts in Millboro, Virginia.
Cheryl’s studio is a wonderful resource for quilters in the region, offering fabrics, patterns, books, notions, and a collection of antiques and collectibles.
We were so happy to gather at The BEAR recently for the artist reception for Quilts of Bath County, where Cheryl and several other quilters shared their work and stories. A heartfelt thank you to Cheryl Thompson, Lori Rowsey, Louise Woolard, Linda Puhle, Debbie Chaplin, and Nancy Peery for representing our local quilters who have shared their beautiful work in the exhibition.
The exhibition remains on view, and we’re looking forward to upcoming quilting workshops and presentations in the months ahead. |
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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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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, 11 AM – 4 PM |
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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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