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

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 th

Media Squatch, 04/08/2025

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 ne

Media Squatch, 04/03/2025

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 progr

Media Squatch, 04/01/2025

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

Media Squatch, 03/25/2025

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. S

Media Squatch, 03/11/2025

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 s

Media Squatch, 03/04/2025

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.

Media Squatch, 02/25/2025

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

Media Squatch, 02/18/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan and communications coordinator Ryan Steffen chat about all the exciting things coming up at the Bower Center for the Arts in 2025! They dive into key programs like the Susie V. Meister Emerging Artist Residency, fun classes for all ages, and new additi

Media Squatch, 02/04/2025

In this episode of the Behind the Bower podcast, host Lauren Hood welcomes artist and instructor Lauren Gaunt. Gaunt shares her artistic journey, from her early passion for art in Michigan to her education at Kalamazoo College. She discusses her inspirations, including untrained artists and the Visi

Media Squatch, 01/28/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Lauren Hood explores the transformative power of art in education with art teacher Emily and her students from Staunton River High School. Emily, with 31 years of teaching experience, shares her journey and the joy of fostering creativity in her classroom. S

Media Squatch, 01/21/2025

In this episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin introduces Jennifer Coffman, a new instructor at the Bower Center for the Arts and a counseling intern at Kairos Counseling. They delve into the significance of mindfulness and discuss Jennifer's upcoming class, "Stepping into Mindfulness." Jenn

Media Squatch, 01/14/2025

In the first 2025 episode of Behind the Bower, host Susan Martin from the Bower Center for the Arts discusses arts and community events. She introduces Sabrina East, owner of "Jump Into Mystery," who shares her journey from hobbyist to business owner. Sabrina details her company's murder mystery eve

Media Squatch, 01/07/2025

In this episode of Behind The Bower, host Susan Martin sits down with Ryan Steffen, the new Communications and Guest Relations Coordinator, and Lauren Hood, the Program Coordinator. They chat about their experiences at the Bower Center over the past year and share what they're excited about for 2025

Media Squatch, 12/17/2024

On this episode of the Behind the Bower podcast, host Susan Martin chats with Brenda Gay Simmons and Katie about the Bower Center for the Arts' Emerging Artist Residency Program. Brenda opens up about getting back into art after raising her family and her unique approach to painting with coffee. Kat

Media Squatch, 12/10/2024