In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with multidisciplinary artist Veronica Jackson juror and judge for the Bower Center’s 13th Annual National Juried Exhibition. Veronica discusses her artistic journey, her approach to curating exhibitions, and her vision for expanding the Bower

Media Squatch, 10/21/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, Lauren Hood sits down with Mackenzie Caun and Chandler Hood from Sentry Equipment, the title sponsor of the “Art of Pairing: Martini and Moonshine” fundraiser. They talk about Sentry’s role as a local manufacturer, their dedication to community involvement, and t

Media Squatch, 10/14/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren sits down with James and Bryan, directors at Sentry Equipment & Erectors, Inc. in Forest, Virginia. They discuss their career journeys, Sentry’s cutting-edge conveyor and packaging systems, and the company’s culture of adaptability and transparency. T

Media Squatch, 10/07/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin talks with Nicole Johnson, Bedford County’s Director of Tourism, about the role arts and culture play in building community spirit and drawing visitors. They discuss the impact of events like the Festival of Trees, spotlight Bedford’s growing ar

Media Squatch, 09/30/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Bedford native and writer Hedron McCormick, along with resident artist Lori Stetson of the Bower Center. The conversation touches on Hedron’s return to Bedford, her short story Look for Sharp Top, and the creation of a commissioned artwor

Media Squatch, 09/22/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Zach McDonald, bassist for the Lenny Marcus Trio. Zach reflects on his musical journey, from early band days to becoming a jazz performer, highlighting the impact of his mentors, the shift from brass to bass, and the trio’s distinc

Media Squatch, 09/16/2025

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