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 today. She shares how daily walks with her dog fuel her inspiration and keep her connected to nature. They also dive into her involvement with Felt United, a global group of felt makers, and her upcoming workshops at the Bower Center. It’s a fun, thoughtful conversation about creativity, community, and how art and nature go hand in hand.

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, all in honor of Boyd Claytor’s legacy at the Claytor Nature Center, and the broader contributions of the Claytor family. They dive into some cool projects the foundation’s working on, from teaming up with local groups to hosting events like stargazing nights and trail cleanups. They also talk about future plans around healthy streams and better soil. It’s a fun and inspiring conversation about getting the community involved, preserving local history, and working together for a greener future.

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 the fun and heartwarming moments she’s had with students—proof of how powerful and joyful creativity can be. Belle encourages everyone to try making art, no matter their experience, and gives us a peek into what she’s got coming up. This episode is all about how having a supportive space can help people open up and express themselves through art.

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 new initiative, the Art Explorers program, extends creative experiences beyond traditional classes through hands-on activities and community field trips. The episode also highlights scholarship opportunities, ensuring accessibility for all families. Additionally, the Bower Center hosts various community events, including a line dancing session, fostering a vibrant, inclusive artistic community in Bedford.

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 programs offered. John shares his personal journey and passion for history, influenced by his family's military background. The episode highlights the memorial's role in preserving D-Day's legacy, volunteer opportunities, and future plans, including acquiring a Higgins boat and building an education center. The conversation underscores the importance of community engagement and preserving historical narratives.

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 has a passion for 3D art, draws inspiration from Brian Froud, while Emily, who favors ink and graphite, is influenced by her uncle, Charles Cashwell . Art teachers Ms. Tonkins and Mrs. Brumfield also join the conversation, highlighting the importance of fostering creativity and supporting arts education.

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. She also talks about her admiration for the incredible talent on display. Tune in for an inspiring conversation, and don’t miss the exhibition awards reception—it's a perfect chance to celebrate local artists and their amazing work!

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 so much in the community. She also shares details about her upcoming mosaic basics class and future workshops. Susan and Peggy dive into the importance of creativity—especially for young artists—and making art accessible to everyone. They also highlight the 11th Annual Curry/Bower Exhibit and other exciting events happening at the Bower Center. Tune in for a great conversation about art, community, and creative opportunities!

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin from the Bower Center for the Arts chats with Peter Leonard, Artistic Director of Opera on the James. As they celebrate the opera company’s 20th season, they dive into upcoming performances, community events, and the Tyler Young Artist Program. Peter shares his musical journey and why bringing opera to new audiences is so important. They also talk about fun, family-friendly collaborations and educational opportunities. Tune in to hear how you can get involved and experience the magic of opera! Don’t forget to check out the Bower Center’s website for event details.

In this episode of Behind the Bower, Lauren Hood, the program coordinator at the Bower Center for the Arts, sits down with artist Paddy Daugherty for a fun and insightful chat. Paddy shares her journey through music, theater, writing, and coaching, diving into how honesty shapes her creative process. She opens up about the ups and downs of the modern music industry, the shift to digital platforms, and the power of collaboration. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek at her upcoming performances and projects, inspiring listeners to follow their creative passions.