- Sneak Peek! The Life & Art of Charles M. Schulz Exhibit
- Sara Braaten Celebration of Life
- Calls for Artists
- What's on the Calendar
- Your Donation Counts!
|
The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz
Presented by National D-Day Memorial & Bower Center for the Arts
Legendary cartoonist Charles M. Schulz’s legacy is one of cultural influences through his beloved Peanuts comic strip and of humble service in World War II. His wartime experience left a lasting impression on him, so much so that he became the Capital Campaign Chair of the National D-Day Memorial Foundation from 1998 until his passing in 2000.
“I think any sensible person with a grasp of history would have to admit that D-Day was the most important day of our century. Without D-Day it’s possible that Europe could have remained for another 25 or 50 years in darkness. I’m glad I wasn’t there, and yet my admiration for the people who were knows no bounds.” - Charles M. Schulz, 1999
The National D-Day Memorial is proud to bring The Life and Art of Charles M. Schulz to the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. The traveling exhibition, curated by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa, California, U.S.A., explores Schulz’s personal history and his role as the sole inspiration and artistic talent behind the most successful comic strip in history.
The exhibition follows Schulz from his Minnesota roots to his life in California and tracks the development of the characters that make up the unique world of Peanuts. Thirty Peanuts comic strips, Schulz quotes, and photographs illuminate the story behind the creation of this most popular and influential cartoon strip. Comic strips by George Herriman (Krazy Kat), Milton Caniff (Terry and the Pirates), and Elzie C. Segar (Thimble Theatre Starring Popeye) shed light on how these prominent cartoonists influenced Schulz as a young artist and reveal the contrast of Schulz’s drawing style to the elaborately illustrated cartoons popular during the early 20th century. Schulz revolutionized the art of the comic strip through his single-handed dedication to the art, wit, and wisdom of Peanuts.
|
May 15, 2026
6 - 8 PM
Bower Center for the Arts
|
Bedford Get Together and Bower Center for the Arts invite you to join us May 15, 2026 from 6 to 8 pm at Bower Center for a Celebration of Life for Sara Braaten.
Sara loved books, kids, gardening, food, and Bower Center. We will have a book exchange (bring a book, take a book, or swap). Additionally, if you would like to bring a children’s book appropriate for children 5 and under, we are going to donate them to the Wallace Early Learning Center at the YMCA.
Those who wish to donate funds can bring money or checks made to the Bower Center. We are working on a ‘pay what you can’ scholarship for adults and children who would like to take an art class at the Bower. You may also donate in Sara’s name to the Rod Adams scholarship fund for youth attending Bower summer camps & classes.
Seed packets and bookmarks will be distributed. If you would like to help with the food, we are serving heavy hors d’oeuvres (savory and sweet) and soft drinks. Wine will be available for purchase.
|
Art In Motion National Juried Exhibition Call For Artists
Final entry deadline is June 6, 2026. Whatever your discipline, the common element is MOTION! Regardless of the medium this exhibit is meant to express the excitement of movement.
|
14th Annual National Juried Exhibition Call for Artists
Final entry deadline is August 11, 2026. Artists from across the country are invited to submit works for consideration in numerous media including, but not limited to, painting, drawing, print-making, collage, mixed media, photography, mosaics, sculpture, fabric, ceramics, wood and glass.
|
Supporting the Future Through Our Spring Fund Drive
|
This spring, the Bower Center for the Arts is once again inviting our community to invest in the creativity and confidence of the next generation through our Spring Fundraising Campaign. As excitement builds for Summer 2026, our Youth Art Camps continue to provide meaningful, hands‑on experiences where young artists can explore new ideas, build skills, and discover their creative voices in a supportive environment. For many children, this is where their artistic journey begins and where they first hear, “You made something wonderful.”
With your support, we can ensure that every child has access to these transformative experiences, regardless of financial circumstances. Gifts to the Spring Fund Drive directly support camp scholarships, art supplies, and professional instruction, helping us meet growing demand and say “yes” to families seeking assistance.
Together, we can continue to nurture creativity, spark imagination, and make a lasting impact on the lives of young artists in our community.
|
|
305 N. Bridge Street, Bedford, VA
540.586.4235
BowerCenter.org
|
|
