A Warm Hello to Start the Year |
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As we step into a new year, we want to take a moment to say thank you to the artists, volunteers, members, educators, donors, and neighbors who make Bath County Arts Association what it is.
We’ve enjoyed so many special moments through exhibitions, community programs, grants, scholarships, and the 60th Bath County Art Show. Our work is guided by a shared belief in the value of the arts and their importance to life in Bath County. It’s the care, collaboration, and commitment of many people that allow this work to continue.
As January begins, we’re looking ahead with gratitude and excitement. Let’s see what’s coming up this winter. |
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🎨 Primary Grant Deadline — January 15 ❄️ Winter events, workshops & yoga at The BEAR 🎶 Music, crafts & family-friendly Saturdays 🖼️ Save the Date: 61st Bath County Art Show 🙌 Volunteer opportunities & ways to support The BEAR |
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GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
APPLICATIONS ARE OPEN
Primary Grant Deadline: January 15
BCAA’s 2026 Grants Program is officially live, and January is a crucial month for anyone planning arts programming in Bath County.
We encourage artists, educators, students, and community organizers to apply for funding through one of our three grant pathways: ⚠️ Important for 2026:
The Primary Community Grant and Arts in Education Grant deadline is January 15. If you’re planning an arts event or project for 2026, this is the main deadline to keep in mind, and we strongly encourage early applications.
Whether you’re hosting a performance, teaching in our schools, organizing a community arts initiative, or continuing your own education, we hope you’ll apply. |
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January at The BEAR
Community Events, Workshops and Yoga
This month at The BEAR includes community-focused Saturdays, artisan vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin’ at The BEAR, an open-genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of all levels. We’re also offering a special winter painting workshop focused on exploring tone and depth, along with the final opportunity to experience the current exhibition, “A Second Look.”
Winter Yoga at The BEAR and Family Story & Craft Time are part of our regular winter programming, offering opportunities for all ages.
More events may be added throughout January, so be sure to check our website for the most up-to-date schedule. |
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BEAR Country Store
Saturday, January 10 · 11AM–5PM Artisan Vendors, hands-on crafts, and Pickin' At The BEAR. A Saturday for the whole family. FREE Entrance |
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Pickin' At The BEAR
Saturday, January 10 · 3–5PM An open genre acoustic jam for musicians and singers of any level! FREE |
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Monochrome Winter Watercolor with Abigail Dufour
Saturday, January 17 · 1:00–2:30PM Explore tone and depth in your painting with this special winter workshop! |
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"A Second Look" Artist Reception
Sunday, January 18 · 10AM–4PM Join us to celebrate the artists featured in “A Second Look”. |
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A December of Festive Arts at The BEAR
Celebrating the season and wrapping up the year together! |
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We officially welcomed our mascot, the Bear, who has already become a favorite for visitors big and small.
The month was filled with hands-on holiday fun, painting ceramic ornaments with Charlottesville ceramicist Ruby Shrestha, stitching whimsical winter gnomes, and celebrating Parade Day at The BEAR with crafts, artisan vendors, warm drinks, and a front-row view of the Hot Springs Christmas Parade.
We also rang in the season with The BEAR’s First Winter Gathering, complete with music, conversation, and a festive toast to our first winter in the space and to the incredible community that made it all possible.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined in, volunteered, taught, or simply shared in the joy. It was the perfect way to close the year. |
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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, 11 am–4 pm |
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Photo by Chromatic Expressions |
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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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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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Family 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. |
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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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