Behind the Bower

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 quilting, and share the deep emotional resonance behind their creations. The discussion also delves into their material choices, the realities of participating in juried shows, and the camaraderie within the fiber arts community. This episode showcases the expressive range of fiber arts and invites listeners to experience the exhibition and upcoming programs at the Bower Center for the Arts.

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 newcomers, and discusses the vibrant social connections that form on the dance floor. They also shine a spotlight on the upcoming Bower After Hours Salsa Night at the Bower Center for the Arts—an event open to dancers of all skill levels. Throughout the conversation, salsa emerges as more than just a dance—it's a way to build friendships, spark new connections, and celebrate community. Tune in and get inspired to join the rhythm and fun!

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, discusses her artistic journey, recent projects, and the value of community support at the Bower Center. The episode highlights the program’s impact on artists and celebrates the enduring influence of Suzie Viemeister’s legacy in nurturing creativity and fostering a vibrant arts community.

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 dedication to nurturing creativity in emerging artists. Their conversation delves into the significance of community, the evolving role of technology in art submissions, and the broader cultural impact of the arts. Sarah also offers thoughtful perspectives on supporting fellow creatives and reflects on the transformative role art plays within the Bower Center’s dynamic community.

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 planning journey, and the hands-on volunteer efforts that brought the vision to life. The discussion also honors the space’s dedication to Lucille and underscores the Center’s commitment to accessibility, community involvement, and preserving local legacies through the arts.

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 bold, vibrant colors, and her fearless approach to experimentation in art quilting. Emphasizing the value of taking risks and embracing mistakes as part of growth, Ellen also shares details about her upcoming solo exhibition and a floral improv workshop at the Bower Center for the Arts. She invites listeners to step into their own creativity and welcome the unexpected in their artistic endeavors.

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 with audiences, share standout memories from the stage, and emphasize the value of community support for the arts. The episode wraps up with a heartfelt live performance that captures Virginia Hollow’s passion and songwriting talent, while encouraging listeners to attend their upcoming show at the Bower Center for the Arts and continue supporting local musicians.

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 vital community centers. Cassandra offers insights into youth reading habits, the importance of engaging activities, and the impact of outreach and partnerships. The episode highlights how libraries support literacy, creativity, and community engagement—encouraging listeners to discover the many free resources and events offered by the Bedford Public Library.

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, including “Clay Works” and a workshop exploring the historical context of pottery. Kiera shares her artistic background and introduces her “Drawing from Scratch” course. The episode also delves into the intricacies of crocheting and the unique appeal of stained glass art. Throughout the discussion, the Bower Center's dedication to nurturing creativity and strengthening community ties is clearly emphasized.

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 dive into how they write songs together and the cultural influences that show up in their music. Throughout the conversation, they highlight how music can connect people beyond language. The episode wraps up with a look ahead to their upcoming show at the Bower Center for the Arts, where they hope to bring folks together through their unique Latin-Americana fusion.