The Bower Center 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. 

We invite you to join us for the reception and awards presentation for the 11th Annual Curry/Bower Exhibition. This collection features a variety of work in all styles and mediums by 68 artists of all ages.

Our judge this year is Linda Atkinson, a Roanoke native who is a visual artist and former studio art and art history instructor.  She will present her awards and offer commentary on the exhibit as a whole at 6:00.   

The reception is this Friday, March 14 from 5-7.  There will be entertainment, light snacks, and a cash bar.  All are invited to this FREE event. 

Bower After Hours: Line Dance the Night Away

• April 11, 2025
• 6:00 - 8:00 pm
• $40 per individual, $75 per pair

Join us for the launch of Bower After Hours—a brand-new 21+ event series designed for the perfect date night or a fun evening out with friends!

We’re starting things off with a high-energy Line Dancing Night featuring the incredible Line Dancing With Angela! Whether you're a seasoned pro or a total beginner, Angela will have you stepping, spinning, and stomping to the beat in no time. Don't miss out—let’s dance! 

Ticket includes: Entertainment, light refreshments, and a drink ticket. A cash bar will be available to keep the good times rolling!

ART on TAP at Beale's Brewery

• May 4, 2025
• 2:00 - 4:00 pm
• $40 per person 

In honor of May the Fourth, we’re bringing the galaxy to Bedford with a Star Wars-themed Paint & Sip that’s perfect for Jedi, Sith, and scruffy-looking nerf herders alike.

Led by our masterful instructor, Belle Thomas, you’ll create your own galactic masterpiece while enjoying a delicious Beale’s Brew—because the Force is strong with those who sip responsibly.

Your ticket includes all painting materials, expert guidance, and one drink ticket to fuel your creativity.

Liz Chidester: Folk Duo

• May 24, 2025
• 6:00-8:00pm
• Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door

Folk. Jazz. Rock. Pop. Blues. Funk. Country. Disco. Liz’s power is in her versatility. 

Singing for over a decade with multiple bands of different genres on stages all over the US, Europe, and sea on Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Lines, and Holland America Line, she's now poised to grace the stage at the Bower Center.

To see a list of all events and gallery receptions here at the Bower Center, click on the button below! 

The Bower Center for the Arts offers a full array of classes for your inner artist!  Whether you are looking to learn to work with clay, mosaics, drawing or needle-felting, we're sure to have something here to spark your creativity!

Some upcoming classes starting soon:

• Pottery Basics and Beyond with Kim Clarke: Starts March 18
• Felted Mushroom Cottage with Belle Thomas: One Day Workshop on March 18
• Adult Beginner Wheel Throwing with Thomas Kilian: Starts April 7
• Adult Clay Handbuilding with Thomas Kilian: Starts April 8
• Mosaic Basics with Dotti Stone: Starts April 8

For a full menu of availabe courses this year, visit: https://members.bowercenter.org/classes

Each summer, the Bower Center for the Arts offers an array of arts-based camps for the youth in our community. This year, we have 5 different camps, plus an Art Explorers afternoon camp. Camps are a week long and run Monday-Friday from 8:30am-1pm.  A week-long camp is $175.  Each session of Art Explorers is a week long, Monday-Friday from 1-4pm. The cost is $75.  Scholarships are available for both the camps and the Art Explorers.