Behind the Bower

In this episode of Behind the Bower, Susan Martin sits down with Paul, co-owner of PS Woodworkx and Designs. Paul talks about his journey from being a truck driver to pursuing his passion for woodworking, focusing on repurposing wood to create one-of-a-kind home and garden decor. He also shares how he and his wife, Stephanie, collaborate on their projects and enjoy showcasing their work at local markets.Don’t miss their feature at the upcoming Mistletoe Makers Market, which supports the Bower Center’s Free Little Art Library.

In this episode of the Behind the Bower podcast, co-hosts Susan Martin and Lauren Hood engage with the members of New Standard Bluegrass—Spencer, Zach, Stuart, and Robert. The discussion covers the band's dedication to traditional bluegrass and gospel music, their individual musical journeys, and their formation. Memorable moments include humorous performance anecdotes and collaborations with bluegrass legends. The band shares excitement about future projects, including new recordings and setlists. The hosts express gratitude for the band's contributions to the local music scene and their ongoing partnership with the Bower Center for the Arts.

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood converses with Liberty High School students Olivia and Everett, and their art teacher Melissa. They discuss the profound impact of art on the students' lives, both in and out of the classroom. Olivia shares her passion for acrylic painting, while Everett talks about his love for photography and digital art. Melissa reflects on her journey into art education and the joy of witnessing her students' growth. .

In this episode of Behind the Bower, Susan Martin, Executive Director of the Bower Center for the Arts, and Lauren Hood, Program Coordinator, discuss the center's mission to celebrate human experiences through arts and culture. They highlight the growth of programming since Lauren joined, overcoming challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Upcoming events include "Art on Tap," needle felting workshops, mosaic jewelry classes, and beginner painting sessions. The episode emphasizes the sense of community fostered through the center's programs, with stories of participants forming lasting friendships and connections. The episode concludes with details on upcoming performances and art shows.

In this episode of "Behind the Bower," host Susan Martin from the Bower Center for the Arts interviews Americana folk and blues singer-songwriter David Starr. They discuss David's extensive music career, his songwriting process, and the significance of arts centers in small communities. David shares stories about his musical journey, including collaborations with renowned artists and his passion for storytelling through song. The episode also highlights the Bower Center's upcoming fundraising event, "Art of Pairing," featuring food tastings, bourbon, and live music, where David will perform. The conversation underscores the vital role of arts in fostering community engagement.

In this episode of the Behind the Bower podcast, host Susan Martin from the Bower Center for the Arts engages in a conversation with Carrie White, Chief Nursing Officer of Centra Bedford Memorial Hospital. Carrie shares her 17-year nursing journey with Centra and discusses the hospital's community health initiatives, particularly focusing on stroke awareness and prevention. They highlight the upcoming Stroke Smart Health Fair and the importance of recognizing stroke symptoms using the "BE FAST" mnemonic. The episode also explores the therapeutic role of art in healthcare and promotes community events like "Paint the Town Pink" and various art exhibits and workshops.