Bower Center for the Arts is a hub for artistic and creative activities. Whether you are interested in viewing artwork in the gallery, attending events and concerts, or just taking a class that helps you explore your creative side, we have a little bit of everything for everyone.  

A ribbon cutting and dedication of the Lucille Hoback Boggess Outdoor Learning Center and Community Gathering Space will be held on Saturday, June 28 at 11:00am. The public is invited to celebrate, explore the space, and hear from those who brought the vision to life. 

Named in honor of Lucille Hoback Boggess, a respected Bedford County leader and trailblazer, this space celebrates her legacy of service and advocacy. Built with grant support from Norfolk Southern and the Weyerhaeuser Foundation, and thanks to her family's generous donations, her name now graces this place dedicated to learning, art, and community.

The reception for Kaye Lipscomb's exhibit Inside/Out and Limited Edition: Works by Our Bower Family will be held on June 13th at 5:00pm. Kaye will present commentary on her exhibit starting at 6:00pm. We will also formally introduce our 2025 Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist in Residence, Andrea Wise. 

This event is open to the public and free of charge.

Join us for an evening of heartfelt music and lively storytelling with Virginia Hollow, a Floyd, VA-based trio blending Americana, Country, Folk, Bluegrass, and Rock, on June 28th from 6-8pm. Known for their original songs, rich harmonies, and engaging stage banter, band members Carrie Hinkley, Sue Winchester, and Brad Collier create a warm, memorable experience that connects deeply with audiences.

This week Carrie and Sue joined Executive Director, Susan Martin, for our Behind the Bower podcast.  Click below to listen. As a bonus at the end of the podcast, they play gorgous piece that is just a sample of what you'll get to see at their concert! 

The highly anticipated 4th Biennial Fiber Arts National Juried Exhibit opens on June 24th.  Forty-two different fiber arts works will be featured in this stunning exhibit juried and judged by artist, curator, and lecturer, Sarah Bolduc.

The reception for this exhibit will be July 18 at 5:00pm, with the awards presentation beginning at 6:00pm.  It is free and open to the public.

Get ready to spice things up at our Bower After Hours: Salsa Night on August 9 from 6-8pm!

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or a total beginner, Lynchburg Salsa will lead a fun, easy lesson to get you moving. Enjoy great music, lively vibes, and a cash bar as we transform the Bower into a Latin dance floor. Perfect for date night, a friends' outing, or just making new connections. Come dance, sip, and celebrate summer with us!

Head to Bower Center for the Arts on August 9 from 12:00 - 2:00pm for an afternoon of family fun with our Free Family Art Day: Ready, Set, School!

Create your own decoupage memory box to store special mementos from the upcoming school year and enjoy a hands-on workshop on building healthy snacks to keep you energized all year long. Registration is not required, but preferred for planning purposes. 

Bower Center for the Arts Camps are in full swing.  There are three more sessions available this summer with a few openings still available. We also have, new this year, our Art Explorers program.  With support from Centra, you can add on this after-camp experience for just $75 per week to make it a full day of arts through the Bower. Register your child today! 

Politics, Revolution, & Stoneware: Talk and Demonstration with Thomas Kilian

• One Day Demonstration: Saturday, June 21
• 3:30-5:00pm
• Presenter: Thomas Kilian

Felted Gnome

• One Day Workshop: Wednesday, June 25
• 5-7pm
• Instructor: Belle Thomas

Felted Highland Cow Brooch

• One Day Workshop: Wednesday, July 9
• 5-7pm
• Instructor: Belle Thomas

The Clay Craft Intensive: Form, Function, and Finish

• Week Long Intensive: July 14-18
• 6-8pm
• Instructor: Thomas Kilian

Mosaic Open Studio

• Thursdays, July 24 - August 14
• 6-8:30 pm
• Instructor: Dotti Stone

Floral (Quilting) Improv Workshop

• One Day Workshop: Saturday, August 23
• 9am-4pm
• Instructor: Ellen Lindner

Felted Suncatcher Workshop

• One Day Workshop: Wednesday, Sept 17
• 5-7pm
• Instructor: Belle Thomas

Smalti Mosaics

• Thursdays: September 18 - November 6
• 6-8:30pm
• Instructor: Dotti Stone

Mosaic Open Studio

• Thursdays: September 25 - November 6
• 6-8:30pm
• Instructor: Dotti Stone

We are now accepting submissions for our 13th Annual National Juried Exhibit that will be featured in our galleries October 9 - November 15th. Early Bird deadline closes July 12, and the final deadline is August 9.