Current Exhibit: 3-in-1 Sculpture, Plein Air and Architectural/Architectural Elements

Still time to see the current "3-in-1" exhibit ... It will be up though Saturday, October 5. Included are bronze equine statues by Joe Collins, sculptural wall hangings by Edrie Bays, whimsical mosaics by Sergei Troubetzkoy and architectural subjects by Revelle Hamilton. 

The next exhibit will be "Color My World" that will open on October 8 - reception on second Friday, October 1 1, 5-8pm

Steve Garay is back with Tai Chi

Photograph from wedmd website

Monday nightTai Chi classes return September 9,  6:30pm-7:30

Steve Garay will be back 
from a summer break to 
teach the popular 
24 form Yang Style Tai Chi.

Steve is trained to teach Sun and Yang style Tai Chi and Qigong, including programs specially designed for those with diabetes and arthritis, and Tai Chi Cane and Sword forms.

Why do Tai Chi? It is a fun and easy exercise to learn. It is a low impact exercise that consists of slow, relaxed movements that help to develop internal and external balance and harmony, improve circulation and fitness levels, and increase oxygen to our bodies. The moves are practiced in a slow controlled fashion that relaxes the body and clears the mind. Regular practice of Tai Chi Ch’uan slowly, yet measurably, improves ones overall fitness and harmony, including relaxation, balance, posture, flexibility and immunity.

Photograph from AVSED website

Photograph from likthestar blog

The Mayo Clinic (on its website) recommends Tai Chi based on preliminary studies showing possible benefits beyond stress reduction, such as: reducing anxiety and depression; improving balance, flexibility and muscle strength; reducing falls in older adults; improving sleep quality; lowering blood pressure; improving cardiovascular fitness in older adults; relieving chronic pain; increasing energy, endurance and agility and improving overall feelings of well-being.

The cost is $30.00 per month, with on-going classes; pay instructor at the beginning of each month. No pre-registration necessary.

Suzanne V Paddock offers Oil Painting

Self Portrait Ready for La La Land

A charter member of TECAC, 
The Electric Company Artists' Co-op, 
207 E Depot in Bedford, New York native Suzanne V Paddock has quickly become 
a presence in the area and is recognized for the strength in her style. Paddock's oil paintings gained much area attention recently when she unveiled her Lincoln series.

Our Home

She is offering a fall Oil Painting at Bower Center. The class size is small in order to provide plenty of one-on-one attention.

Gentleman with Two Crows

Her class will be based on three points she has used to create her own style:

Basic Pencil Drawing Exercises
Understanding Color 
Developing a Philosophy (about your own work)

September class: 4 - 2 1/2 hour sessions will be held
Tuesdays and Thursdays  
6 PM-8:30
Sept 10, 12, 17, 19
Fee: $115.

Bring supplies based on supply list from instructor, except colors for the color lesson, which are provided.

Go to www.bowercenter.org to register.  

Encaustic Wax Painting with Donna Nevers - Sept 7 & 8

Donna Nevers is returning once again to share her love of the encaustic wax process.

Painting with molten beeswax is an art that dates back to the 5th century B. C. It is probably best known for Fayum funeral portraits of the 1st and 2nd centuries A.D.

Circle of Friends
by Donna Nevers

Beautiful Blue Ridge
by Donna Nevers

Imagine!!! 
Think out of the Ordinary! 

Incorporate basic 2-D encaustic wax techniques to make 3-dimensional

elements and create magic.

Learn to dip and mold common objects with molten wax. Combine them with collages, transfers and found objects. Finally, learn the art of pouring wax for smooth surfaces.

Have fun in this two-day workshop
Saturday and Sunday, September 7 & 8 
9:30 AM-4:30 PM.

$175. (includes supplies)

Bedford's Architectural Heritage

Sunday afternoon 
August 18 at 3 PM 
Terrace Gallery in Bower Center















Bedford Director of tourism Sergei Troubetzkoy returns with another "Cultural Reflections" program. This time it will be a Power Point presentation that will provide a brief overview of the major architectural styles found in Bedford from the early 19th century into the 20th century.

Bower Center's Sunday afternoon "Cultural Reflections" Series are free and open to the public.

15th Annual Poetic and Musical Spotlight

Saturday, August 17,

7:30 PM -9:30

This program is free and open to the public

Sandra Nelms-Ludwig started this annual poetry and music presentation in 1999. This year we are excited to announce it will be held at the Bower Center on August 17th at 7:30pm. This annual event spotlights local poets and musicians. Each poet will read his or her original poems. Local musicians will play various musical instruments and sing original and favorite covered songs. The musical selections will be interspersed throughout the poetry reading. This year’s participants include 92 year old, Rev. Allen Blanks, who will return to read his original poetry and poetry written by his mother; Lovely Zion Chorus with foot-patting gospel harmonies; and teen, Sully Smither, songwriter and guitarist who will perform his latest songs.

Participants

Participant	Performance	Community
Rev. Allen Banks	Original Poetry	Lynchburg
June Hamlett	Original Poetry	Lynchburg
Barbara Wood	Original Poetry	Evington
Bobby Ray Kendricks	Original Poetry	Martinsville
David Henley	Original Songs	Salem
Sully Smither	Original Songs and Guitar	Smith Mt. Lake
Susan Massie	Original Poetry	Big Island
Lovely Zion Chorus	Gospel Music	Town of Bedford
Joy Barefoot	Original Poetry	Town of Bedford
Charlotte Farley	Singing and Piano	Town of Bedford
Sandra Ludwig	Original Poetry	Town of Bedford

Come and enjoy an evening of creative expression from talented individuals in our community. For more information contact the Bower Center or Sandra Ludwig at 540-874-4723.

Juried Exhibition Awards Winners

It was 6 PM on Second Friday, August 9 in Bower Center's Concert Hall Gallery. The air was buzzing in anticipation of the results to be announced for the 2013 Bower Center National Juried Exhibition awards being presented by Juror/Judge, Susan Jamison.






1st Place
"Cat in the Hat Music Box"
Watercolor
Rod Adams, Bedford VA










2nd Place
"Taco"
Bronze Sculpture
Joe Collins, Goode VA

3rd Place
"Evensong" 
Art Quilt
Bonnie Venable, 
Roanoke VA

Award of Merit
"Galloping Waterfall"
Stoneware
Alicia Daily, Goode VA














Award of Merit
"Sasha - Practice at Sebring"
Photograph
Steve Romine,
Lynchburg VA


















Award of Merit
"They Appear More"
Acrylic/Collage
Bill Stamats, Cedar Rapids IA