In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Emilie Temeles, a passionate teacher, volunteer, and board member at the Bower Center for the Arts. Emily shares her path from the classroom to arts advocacy, reflecting on the center’s evolution, its outreach efforts, and the creative pr

Media Squatch, 09/09/2025

In this episode of "Behind the Bower," host Ryan interviews artist Elaine Flack about her solo exhibition, "Fragmentary Forms," at the Bower Center for the Arts. Elaine discusses her creative process, blending fabric and paint, and how her travels and life experiences influence her vibrant, textured

Media Squatch, 09/02/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren sits down with jewelry artist Avni Patel to discuss her journey from India to the United States, her background in sculpture, and the ways her cultural heritage informs her intricate metalwork. Avni shares insights into her creative process with silve

Media Squatch, 08/19/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren sits down with Olivia Fletcher, a hobby ceramicist and instructor at the Bower Center. Olivia recounts her journey from discovering ceramics to becoming a teacher, touching on the craft’s sustainability, her home studio, and the joy of nurturing creat

Media Squatch, 08/12/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan dives into the Bower Center for the Arts’ vibrant summer camps alongside Programs Coordinator Lauren and instructors Bobbi and Kayla. Together, they unpack the camps’ imaginative themes, interactive art activities, and the meaningful ways these experien

Media Squatch, 07/29/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan Stefan sits down with four talented fiber artists featured in the Fourth Biennial National Juried Fiber Arts Exhibition at the Bower Center. Together, they explore their artistic journeys, reflect on the nuances between traditional and contemporary quil

Media Squatch, 07/22/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Jeanette from Lynchburg Salsa to explore the group's beginnings, its impact on the local community, and the inclusive nature of salsa dancing. Jeanette opens up about her own journey into dance, offers encouraging advice for newcom

Media Squatch, 07/15/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin spotlights the Bower Center’s Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist Residency Program. Katie shares how her mother’s passion for the arts inspired the residency, funded through an auction of Suzie’s art collection. Andrea, the 2025 emerging artist, d

Media Squatch, 07/08/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan Steffen sits down with artist and curator Sarah Bolduc, juror for the fourth biennial national juried fiber arts exhibition at the Bower Center for the Arts. Together, they explore Sarah’s journey as an artist, her curatorial philosophy, and her dedicat

Media Squatch, 07/01/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan is joined by Susan, Des, and John for a conversation about the development of the new outdoor learning center and community gathering space at the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford. Together, they explore the inspiration behind the project, the plann

Media Squatch, 06/24/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Ellen, also known as the Adventure Quilter. Ellen recounts her transformation from flight instructor to nationally acclaimed fiber artist, offering insights into her creative journey. She discusses her artistic process, passion for

Media Squatch, 06/17/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin chats with Carrie and Sue of Virginia Hollow. The discussion explores their individual musical paths, how the band has grown over time, and why performing original music is so meaningful to them. They reflect on the deep emotional bonds created

Media Squatch, 06/10/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan Steffen sits down with Cassandra Baldwin, Youth Services Coordinator at the Bedford Central Library. They explore the library’s wide array of programs, with a special focus on the summer reading initiative, and discuss the evolving role of libraries as

Media Squatch, 06/03/2025

In this episode of the podcast, the Bower Center for the Arts spotlights its upcoming events and educational offerings. Executive Director Susan Martin introduces teaching artists Thomas Kilian and Kiera Rogerson. Thomas reflects on his 22-year journey as a potter and previews his upcoming classes,

Media Squatch, 05/27/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood chats with Liz Chidester and Nilko Andreas, the talented duo behind the NYC-based Latin Americana group. Liz opens up about her early music days in Virginia, while Nilko shares how classical training in Bogotá, Colombia shaped the journey. They d

Media Squatch, 05/13/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan Steffen chats with local artist Kaye Lipscomb about her upcoming solo show, Inside Out, at the Bower Center for the Arts. Kaye opens up about her journey as an artist, how she creates her work, and the deeper meanings behind what she makes. She encourag

Media Squatch, 05/06/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood chats with Dawn Edwards—an incredible fiber artist and feltmaking. Dawn talks about how her creative journey kicked off with a simple needle felting class and how her background in stained glass and pottery still weaves its way into her work toda

Media Squatch, 04/22/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin—Executive Director of the Bower Center for the Arts—chats with Trish Cerulli, the founder of the Cloverlea Foundation. Trish shares a bit about her background and the foundation’s mission to promote environmental education and sustainability, al

Media Squatch, 04/15/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood chats with Belle Thomas, a super talented self-taught fiber artist who’s all about needle felting. Belle talks about how she made the jump from painting to fiber art, and shares what drives her when she teaches. She also opens up about some of th

Media Squatch, 04/08/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, the host Susan converses with Lauren Hood, the program coordinator at Bower Center for the Arts, about the upcoming youth summer art camps. The camps, designed for children aged 6 to 17, feature diverse themes like "Safari Sketchers" and "Cosmic Color Camp." A ne

Media Squatch, 04/03/2025

In this episode of "Behind the Bower," host Ryan Stephan, communications coordinator for the Bower Center for the Arts, converses with John Long, director of education at the National D-Day Memorial. They discuss the memorial's significance, the stories of the Bedford Boys, and the educational progr

Media Squatch, 04/01/2025

In this episode of Behind The Bower, Lauren Hood, program coordinator at the Bower Center for the Arts, welcomes students from Jefferson Forest High School along with their art teachers. Featured students Mjrn and Emily share their creative journeys and the role art plays in their lives. Marin, who

Media Squatch, 03/25/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, we’re diving into the Curry Bower Exhibition, a celebration of community creativity. Esteemed artist and sculptor Linda Atkinson, this year’s judge for the 11th annual exhibition, shares her artistic journey, teaching experiences, and what fuels her creativity. S

Media Squatch, 03/11/2025

In this episode of the Behind the Bower podcast, host Susan Martin, executive director of the Bower Center for the Arts, sits down with studio artist and instructor Peggy Markham for a fun and inspiring chat. Peggy talks about her journey as an artist, her approach to teaching, and why art matters s

Media Squatch, 03/04/2025