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Exhibits
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14th Annual National Juried Exhibition Awards Reception: October 23, 5-7 pm Exhibit: October 8 - November 14, 2026
A Special Thank You! The awards for Bower Center’s 14th National Juried Exhibit |
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Education |
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Whether you're looking to try something new or take your artistic skills to the next level, Bower Center for the Arts offers a variety of hands-on workshops and classes designed to inspire creativity.
This season's lineup includes opportunities to explore tapestry weaving, stained glass, mosaics, ceramics, figure drawing, and more, with many one-day workshops serving as the perfect introduction to a new medium.
For those ready to dive deeper, multi-week classes provide guided instruction, skill development, and the chance to grow alongside fellow artists in a welcoming and supportive environment. No matter where you are on your creative journey, there's an opportunity to learn, create, and connect through the arts at Bower Center. |
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Tapestry Weaving Workshop: Tree Bark
One-Day Workshop Saturday, Oct 24, 2026 1-4 PM Adults Fee: $55 per student
In this one day workshop, Mixed Media Tapestry Weaving, you will receive hands-on instruction in basic weaving techniques and create a finished tapestry. Participants will use a tree bark as the loom for their tapestry weaving in this workshop |
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Color, Line & Words: A day for personal play
One-Day Workshop Sunday, Oct 25, 2026 1:30-3:30 PM Adults Fee: $10 per student
Two hours of guided play for grownups. Express yourself with drawing, coloring, and writing. Life is the only experience needed. |
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Adult Template Ceramics: A Complete Breakfast
Tuesdays, Oct 27 - Nov 17 5-7:30 PM Adults Fee: $175 per student
A complete breakfast is the key to a great day and there is no better way to eat than on dishes you’ve made yourself. Over the course of four weeks, you will make:
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Figure Drawing
Tuesdays, Nov 3-Nov 17 4:30-6:00 PM Adults Fee: $105 per student
Expand your knowledge of the human figure by drawing from a live clothed model. This three-week session is meant to provide you with opportunity and instruction about figure drawing. |
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Stained Glass Foundations
Wednesdays, Nov 4-Dec 2 5:30-8:30 PM Adults Ages 16+ Fee: $200 per student
Ready to really sink your teeth into stained glass? This 4-week beginner course takes you from first cut to finished piece, twice. You'll create two projects: a suncatcher, chosen from several patterns, and a second piece designed entirely by you. |
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Mixed Media Tapestry Weaving
One-Day Workshop Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 1-4 PM Adults Ages 18+ Fee:$55 per student
In this one day workshop, Mixed Media Tapestry Weaving, you will receive hands-on instruction in basic weaving techniques and create a finished tapestry. |
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Pottery Basics & Beyond With Kim Clarke
Tuesdays, Nov 10-Dec 15 9:30 am-12 pm Adults Ages 18+ Fee:$260 per student
Dive into the fundamentals of hand-building with the ancient punch coil method, creating organic and expressive forms without rigid rules. Then, discover the mesmerizing magic of the potter's wheel. |
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View the full schedule of classes & workshops below! |
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Concerts |
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ALWAYS A SELL-OUT CROWD! Don't delay, get your tickets today. |
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Events |
We're Extremely Grateful!
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The success of Art of Pairing: Bower at the Bayou is a wonderful reflection of what can happen when a community comes together in support of the arts.
On behalf of everyone at Bower Center for the Arts, thank you to our generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, talented artists, auction donors, and enthusiastic guests who helped make this year's event so memorable.
Your support not only created an evening filled with great food, music, art, and connection, but also helps sustain the programs, exhibitions, classes, and outreach opportunities that make Bower Center a vibrant cultural resource for our community. We are deeply grateful for your investment in our mission and look forward to continuing to create meaningful arts experiences together. |
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Mark Your Calendar! |
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Join us for our Annual Mistletoe Maker's Market Saturday, November 28, 2026 9 AM - 2 PM
Celebrate Small Business Saturday and shop local handmade goods at Bower Center for the Arts on Saturday, November 28 from 9 AM-2 PM! With over twenty-five artisan exhibitors from around the region, you will be sure to find the perfect holiday gifts! This event will also include chances to win door prizes, free face painting, caricatures with Kyle Edgell, selfies with Santa & Mrs. Clause, youth art activity stations and more!
Fees/Admission
Artisan Vendor spaces are still available. Contact Erika McFaden at erikajmcfaden@gmail.com for details. |
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Studio Artist Spotlight |
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Susan Miller Bradbury |
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As a studio artist at Bower Center for the Arts, Susan Miller Bradbury is bringing her artwork and creative story to a wider audience through Blue Ridge PBS's Artistic Encounters – Meet the Artist.
This special program invites viewers to step beyond the artwork and connect with the artist herself as she shares the inspiration behind her work in an intimate, one-on-one studio setting. A curated collection of Susan's pieces will be featured during the artist reception and on display for several weeks afterward, with many works available through donations that support both the artist and Blue Ridge PBS.
In addition, Susan has generously donated an original piece for the evening's auction, with proceeds benefiting both the artist and Blue Ridge PBS as it continues its mission of providing educational, informational, and cultural programming that enriches communities across our region.
Blue Ridge PBS Reception: Exhibit & Sale:
Blue Ridge PBS: 1215 McNeil Drive, Roanoke, VA 24015
Check out her spotlight video by clicking on the image below! |
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