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. 

Virginia Hollow

• July 18, 2026
• 6:00-8:00pm
• Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Get swept away by the heartfelt sound of Virginia Hollow, a Floyd, VA-based trio blending Americana, folk, and country with a dash of bluegrass and rock. With soulful originals, playful banter, and rich harmonies, their live show promises a joyful, moving journey through life’s highs and lows.

CAB Kids: Free Family Art Day

• Ty-Rone Travis, Puppeteer
• August 1, 2026
• 12:00-2:00pm
• Admission is FREE. Registration is not required, but appreciated for planning purposes.

Get ready for giggles and imagination with Ty-Rone Travis’ puppet performance! This engaging show brings characters to life in the most playful way. After the performance, kids will create their own paper hand puppets, giving them a chance to become puppeteers themselves and keep the storytelling going at home.

About CAB Kids:

Creative Arts for Bower Kids (CAB Kids) is a community-driven initiative by Bower Center for the Arts that aims to introduce families to the arts in an accessible, engaging, and safe space.  We hope to encourage creativity, connection, and lifelong appreciation for the arts through free Family Art Days at Bower Center and participation in local events.  This program is supported by the Virginia Commission for the Arts and the Greater Lynchburg Community Foundation.

Get ready for a week of imagination, creativity, and hands-on fun at the Bower Center’s Upcycled Stories Summer Camp! Designed for ages 6–12, this engaging camp invites young artists to bring folktales to life using recycled and repurposed materials—crafting characters, building scenes, and even creating music and movement inspired by their stories. From turning everyday objects into instruments to exploring themes of nature and sustainability, campers will combine art, storytelling, and performance in a one-of-a-kind experience, culminating in a special end-of-week showcase.

Mixed Media Tapestry Weaving Workshop

• Saturday, July 11, 2026
• 1:00-3:30 PM
• Fee: $55 per student
• Instructor: Beverly Shideler 

• Collaborative hand-building workshop for families
• Saturday, July 18, 2026
• 3:00-5:00 PM
• Fee: $50 per family
• Instructor: Olivia Fletcher

Teen Pottery Hand Building and Wheel Throwing Open Studios

These 3-week sessions will let students experiment with hand building or Wheel Throwing in an open studio setting. Only prior students of Olivia Fletcher may sign up for these open studio sessions. Ages 10+

• Both Sessions Begin Monday, July 20, 2026
• 5:00-6:30 PM
• Fee: $55 per student
• Instructor: Olivia Fletcher

GALLERY HOURS:
Wednesday-Friday, 1 PM-6 PM & Saturday, 11 AM-3 PM.

July 4th Weekend: Closed for private event.

GALLERY ADMISSION IS ALWAYS FREE. DONATIONS ARE APPRECIATED.

Exhibit: August 13 - September 26, 2026

Awards Reception: September 11, 2026, 5-7 PM

Early Bird Entry Deadline July 14, 2026!

Bower Center for the Arts invites artists from across the country to submit works for consideration for our 14th Annual National Juried Exhibit.  

This is an open call for works to be on exhibit in our galleries from October 8 - November 14, 2026

Join us for an immersive evening of celebrating art and improvisation as we journey to Lewis Carroll’s Wonderland for a UnBirthday Party full of questing, dancing, food, beverages and more! This is an 18+ event.