Behind the Bower

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan speaks with Ann, Vice President of the Bower Center for the Arts Board of Directors. Ann shares her journey from growing up near Boston to settling in Bedford, Virginia, after a distinguished career as a U.S. Foreign Service management officer across multiple countries. A passionate artist specializing in mosaics and fiber arts, Ann discusses her deep...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan interviews Virginia-based singer-songwriter Akeylah Simone ahead of her free concert at the Bower Center for the Arts on June 13th. Akeylah shares her lifelong connection to music, rooted in a family of musicians, and describes her genre-fluid style blending rock, R&B, pop, and jazz. She discusses her intuitive songwriting process, drawing inspira...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan welcomes Beverly, a local artist and new instructor at the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia. Beverly shares her artistic journey spanning 45 years, from childhood inspiration by Michelangelo and Rodin through sculpture, clay, assemblage, and now fiber art. She discusses her passion for art as healing, working with homeless individuals, r...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan speaks with Jefferson Forest High School art teacher Jennifer Tomkins and student artists Mayah and Sam about the Bedford County Public School High School Art Show. Mayah shares how anime inspired her artistic journey, while Sam discusses expressing personal health challenges through realism and charcoal. Jennifer highlights art's role in developing e...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Anna, the Bower Center’s new Programs and Community Relations Manager. She talks about her background as a fine arts graduate, with a focus on painting, drawing, papermaking, and stained glass, as well as her experience teaching art to both children and adults. Anna also shares her passion for community engagement and what inspired her...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan interviews Chris, music director of the Big Band of the Blue Ridge. Chris shares his musical journey, the band’s evolution, and its connection to the Bower Center For The Arts. They discuss the band’s diverse repertoire, the importance of live music, and the value of community arts. The episode also highlights upcoming concerts and events at the Bower...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan honors the late Sarah, the Bower Center’s founding executive director. He welcomes Linda, an accomplished artist and judge for the 12th Annual Currie Bower Exhibition, to discuss her artistic journey, judging process, and impressions of the exhibit. They highlight the creativity and depth in both youth and adult entries, emphasizing the importance of...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren speaks with Staunton River High School senior Isabel and art teachers Emily and Bobby about the transformative role of art in education. They discuss how art fosters self-expression, resilience, and creative problem-solving for both students and teachers. The guests share personal stories, highlight the importance of trusting the creative process, a...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood interviews Patty Daughtry, a beloved local singer-songwriter and storyteller. Patty shares her musical journey, from growing up in a musical family to her deep ties with the Bower Center for the Arts. She discusses her songwriting process, the importance of community, and memorable performances, including collaborating with the Lynchburg Sympho...

In this special 20th anniversary episode, the Bower Center for the Arts in Bedford, Virginia, highlights its rich history, mission, and vibrant programming. Executive Director Ryan Steffen, joined by Susan Martin and Lauren Hood, discusses the center’s community impact, diverse classes, and signature events like CAB Kids, Opera on the James, and annual festivals. The team shares personal stories,...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan Executive Director of the Bower Center for the Arts sits down with Olivia and Eric, a husband-and-wife duo devoted to arts education. Olivia reflects on her path from hobby ceramicist to instructor, now teaching ceramics to both children and adults. Eric shares his perspective on helping young theater performers build confidence onstage. Together, the...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan interviews Bedford natives Win Creasey and C.W. Markham III, stars of the sold-out "Christmas Cabaret with a Twist." They discuss their musical backgrounds, the collaborative process behind their cabaret show, and the unique intimacy of cabaret performances. The conversation highlights the importance of community arts, the transformative power of musi...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Jay, Executive Director of the Bedford Area Educational Foundation. Jay reflects on his journey back to Bedford County and explains the foundation’s mission to strengthen local public education through grants that fund creative classroom projects and mental health initiatives. The conversation emphasizes the value of both community and...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Spencer Blankenship and Stuart Scales of New Standard Bluegrass. They talk about their personal journeys into music, the artists who shaped their sound, and how their band came to be emphasizing the role of tradition, creativity, and community in bluegrass. The conversation explores their dedication to keeping the genre alive for...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Ryan sits down with Desiree, Lisa, and Madeleine from Little Town Players to discuss their upcoming production of The Diary of Anne Frank. The conversation delves into the casting process, the emotional depth of live theater, and the vital role of community involvement. The guests offer personal reflections on portraying real-life stories, the spirit of vo...

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood sits down with Liberty High School art teacher Miss Friedewald and her students, Gwen and Ava. Together, they explore how art nurtures creativity, empathy, and community, sharing personal insights from their artistic journeys and the influence of art in their lives. The discussion highlights art’s vital role in education encouraging problem-sol...

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 Center’s makerspaces. The conversation delves into art as a powerful form of expression, the value...

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 the value of supporting the arts. The conversation delves into Sentry’s charitable efforts, company c...

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. The conversation also explores Sentry’s strong community involvement, recent hiring achievements,...

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 arts scene, and share details on what’s ahead, including new exhibits, youth programs, and the county’...

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 artwork inspired by her writing. Together, they explore themes of home, community, and the ways art and st...

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 distinctive, conversational sound. He shares perspectives on jazz improvisation, the art of storytelling th...

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 programs that continue to grow. She emphasizes the welcoming spirit of the center, its positive influe...

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 works. She reflects on the blurred lines between art and craft, her inspirations, and the importanc...

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 silver metal clay and offers a preview of her upcoming hands-on workshop at the Bower Center for the Arts...