PROGRAM MISSION
The Suzie Veimeister Emerging Artist Program provides artists the opportunity to further develop their artistic skills and the business behind art while being supported by creative and professional local businesses and artists.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Once a year, a Bower Center for the Arts Emerging Artist Panel will award an Emerging Artist to participate in a four-month residency. The panel consists of Susan Martin, Executive Director for the Bower Center for the Arts; Revelle Hamilton, Board of Directors; and Katie Viemeister, daughter of Suzie Viemeister. Selection of the artist is based on artistic merit, commitment and eligibility as listed below. Awarded residency will be publicly announced.
Requirements for submissions are listed below.
Resident artists will have 24-hour access to a private rent-free studio. The Residency concludes with a one-month solo exhibition at Bower Center for the Arts. During the residency, artists benefit from opportunities for professional development and collaboration with peers. Artists have the opportunity to work with a mentor, learn exhibit preparation, engage in events and activities with Bower Center for the Arts and collaborate with other studio artists
Residents can actively contribute to Bower Center artistic and educational programming by participating in a Second Friday, being available for studio visits and tours, and working in their studio, if available, during Bower Centers business hours. Residents are also required to give a presentation, artist talk and/or demonstration to the public to coincide with their residency or exhibition.
The program is funded through the endowment established through the Gala and Art Auction of Suzie Viemeister’s collection on November 3, 2018. The extent of the program is based on funds raised at this event at this time. The selection committee will review each emerging artist program event through questionnaires and interviews to determine future program changes or development of funding requirements.
The Bower Center’s facilities are fully accessible to the handicapped and we encourage all artists to consider submitting for our residency of opportunities. The Bower Center for the Arts is committed to diversity and inclusivity, welcoming all regardless of age, ethnicity, gender or religion.
ELIGIBILITY
APPLICATIONS REQUIREMENT
1. Resume
2. Artist Statement (Not to exceed 200 words)
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Images and/or Videos – Applicant’s Choice. (See criteria below)
5. Image List in PDF. An annotated image list accompanying digital images/videos with title of work, media, size, and year completed. File titled Lastname-Firstname_List.pdf
VIDEOS
Video submissions should adhere to the following criteria:
1. 5-minute maximum.
2. A minimum of 3 videos (can be segments of longer works) completed within the last 2 years.
3. MPEG-4, AVI, or MOV file formats only.
4. All videos must be saved using a file name and number that corresponds to the annotated image list.
5. Files titled Lastname-Firstname_Video#
IMAGES
Images submitted should adhere to the following criteria:
1. 10 digital images of works completed within the past 2 years. 3-D/installation artists may submit up to 20 digital photos, documenting 10 works in all.
2. Images must be in JPEG format. 300dpi maximum, 1600 pixels on longest side.
3. All images must be saved using a file name and number that corresponds to the annotated image list.
4. Files titled Lastname-Firstname_Image#
Entries may be submitted at info@bowercenter.org or mailed to 305 N. Bridge Street, Bedford, VA 24523, Attn: Emerging Artist.