What a Great Start to the Year!

Spring Greetings from the Executive Director:

As spring breathes new life into our surroundings, we at Bower Center for the Arts are excited to welcome a season filled with creativity, connection, and community. From inspiring exhibitions, engaging art programs and events to unforgettable performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

There are so many ways to get involved—take a class, attend a concert, explore our galleries, or even volunteer to support the arts in our community. Whether you're discovering a new passion or reconnecting with a favorite artistic pursuit, Bower Center is here to inspire and enrich your journey.

We invite you to embrace the energy of the season—visit, create, and celebrate the arts with us!

See you at Bower Center!

Susan Martin

Executive Director

Paddy Dougherty's Movin' On

Paddy Dougherty, one of our sell-out artists, never fails to draw a crowd of dedicated supporters and music lovers! A longtime friend of Bower, Paddy’s latest performance in February was a hit with another sell-out house.

Hansel and Gretel 

with Opera on the James

Opera on the James returned to Bower in March with a captivating rendition of Hansel and Gretel, delighting audiences of all ages. After the show, students took part in a special art activity, designing and building their own gingerbread houses inspired by the classic tale. With 51 students registered, it was a magical and creative experience for all!

Fatal Flashback:

A Prom to Die For

with Jump into Mystery

The Bower Center’s annual Murder Mystery, one of our most anticipated Valentine's weekend events, once again thrilled attendees with an unforgettable experience. This year’s theme, Fatal Flashback: A Prom to Die For, was a massive success. Between the flashy prom dresses, corsages, and "killer" gift baskets, this rainy night was one to remember.

heARTworks

Arts Outreach

heARTworks is a dynamic outreach initiative by the Bower Center for the Arts that brings regular hands-on art experiences to adults with disabilities and seniors in assisted living. Serving groups like Harmony Day Support, Centra Bedford Adult Day Center, and Centra PACE, the program fosters creativity, social connections, and personal growth. Whether painting, sculpting, or crafting, each session is a joyful opportunity to create, share, and celebrate the unique artistic voices of every individual.

Bedford County Public Schools

Elementary Art Shows

This winter the Bower Center hosted two separate art shows highlighing the artwork by students from all Bedford County Public Elementary Schools.  These yearly shows bring in a huge crowd of scholars, parents, and families every year to celebrate their creative and artistic endeavors. The middle school and high school shows are in April this year. 

Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist

Solo Show: Brenda Gay Simmons

The Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist Studio Residency, created in honor of Suzie Viemeister’s legacy, supports rising artists through a dedicated residency at the Bower Center. This year’s Emerging Artist, Brenda Gay Simmons, explored mixed mediums, incorporating unique materials like coffee, tea, and organic stains. Her residency culminated in a solo exhibition showcasing the innovative works she created during her time at Bower.

How can you get involved?

The Bower Center for the Arts is successful, in large part, because of our volunteers.  Whether it is serving on our board of directors, particpating as a member on our variouis committees, manning the front desk, assisting with our heARTworks outreach, or working an event, we have a place for you!