New Staff Welcome!

     Alpha Massaquoi was born in West Africa, Liberia, as the youngest of four to an upper-middle-class family; his father worked for the United States embassy in Liberia, and his mother was a tailor with a small charcoal business.  At age fourteen, Alpha and his family moved to the U.S. seeking the “American dream.” However, life wasn't easy; the 2008 recession had just happened, and racism and colorism were new challenges Alpha and his family had to face.

     As an interdisciplinary artist and poet, Alpha’s practice is centered on dismantling conventions. He takes materials traditionally bound to specific functions, charcoal, coffee, gouache, and soft pastel, and transforms them into vessels of storytelling and memory. 

     Alpha received his BA from Towson University and MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. In addition to his Exhibits Coordinator role at Bower Center, Alpha is the artist and curator-in-residence at Riverviews Artspace. He has also founded Hot Sauce Artist Collective, supporting artists and bridging the gap between the everyday person and the arts.

     Due to the nature of the position, Alpha's hours can fluctuate but he can typically be found at Bower Center on Monday and Friday afternoons.  If you'd like to meet Alpha or join him by participating in the Exhibits Committee, please contact him for an appointment or join him at one of our Exhibit Receptions. You can contact him at a.massaquoi@bowercenter.org.

UP NEXT!
Paddy Dougherty Quartet

February 28 | 6-8pm

LIMITED TICKETS AVAILABLE!

Mutiny & Murder:

A Pirate's Last Voyage!

February 21, 2026

6 - 9 PM

This is an interactive murder mystery event where you will play a character, solve clues, and interrogate all of the suspects. You will laugh, talk, eat, and drink. In the end you will decide who committed the crime using your detective skills!

Get your tickets today as this event is almost Sold Out!

The Magic Flute!

Featuring Opera on the James'

Tyler Young Artists

Discover the magic of music and storytelling with Opera on the James’ kid-friendly performance of The Magic Flute. After the show, young audience members will get to chat with the performers during a fun Q&A session, then head into a themed art activity creating their very own Paper Flutes inspired by the opera 

CAB Kids is a community-driven initiative by Bower Center for the Arts designed to bring the joy of creativity to youth and families through free Family Art Days at Bower Center.

UP NEXT!
12th Annual Curry/Bower Exhibit

February 19 - April 4, 2026

Exhibit Awards Reception: March 13, 5-7 PM

Join us for the 12th Annual Curry/Bower Exhibition, opening on February 19th at Bower Center for The Arts! Running until April 4th, this annual exhibit is an all-media judged exhibit to honor Edna Curry and Dr. John Bower, Bower Center's primary benefactors.

You'll find a variety of pieces and art mediums from both youth and adults as you browse our Galleries and hallways. Gallery Hours are Wed-Fri, 1-6 PM and Saturday, 11 AM-3 PM.

Early Bird Entry Still Available!

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.  

Join us for a summer of creativity and FUN!