The Wharton Memorial Garden and the Bower Center for the Arts continue to grow through the kind gifts of our many benefactors and the countless volunteer hours given by those in our community. Local businesses and individuals have helped by sponsoring our concerts. The care of the lovely Wharton Garden is partially funded by Bedford City.
A Local Government Challenge Grant from Bedford City and the VA Commission for the Arts helped to purchase a pottery lab in 2009, and in 2010 the funds helped to sponsor free concerts and provide scholarship assistance for children to attend the Summer Arts Camp. The Bower Center cooperates with the Bedford County Public Schools to secure 21st Century Grant funds which provide students with after school and Summer Arts Camp classes in art and music at the Center.
A Virginia Commission for the Arts and NEA project grant helped the Center provide afternoon enrichment activities in July to middle and elementary school students in photography, pottery, painting, and music studio lessons. The two week camp was topped off by a production of Hansel and Gretel by Opera of the James.
The Wharton Memorial Foundation and the Bower Center would like to publicly recognize our generous sponsors, listed below in alphabetical order. Visit their website by clicking on their logo.
The City of Bedford, Virginia
Ferris, Eakin & Thomas, Attorneys at Law
Lynchburg Tickets
The National Endowment for the Arts
Smyth Company
Target
Virginia Commission for the Arts