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, Artists, previous member of Board of Directors & member of Exhibits Committee; Katie Viemeister, daughter of Suzie Viemeister & member of Exhibits Committee; and Desmond Black, Artist, Past Board President & current Board Member. 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 during a 6-9-month residency. (based on the artists availability) The Residency concludes with a two-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 several mentors, 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                                        

1.    Emerging Artist Residencies are available to promising artists in their formative years committed to advancing their own work and professional careers.  This includes High School Seniors, ages 17+.

2.    Artists may not have had a previous solo exhibit. Artists may have been active 5 years or less.

3.    Artists working in most visual mediums will be considered, including experimental media; however, artists working with toxic materials, hazardous machinery, etc. will not be considered due to limitations within the building.

4.    During the residency period, artists must be ready to enjoy working in an open studio setting where the public is able to interact with the artist during public hours. Artists are asked to work in the studio a minimum of 15 hours per week. (Including some public hours).

5.    Artist should be available to meet a minimum of once a month with assigned mentors.

6.    This program is focused on emerging artists living in Bedford and the Central Virginia region.