Ryan brings a wealth of experience in education, arts management, and community engagement. With over 20 years as an educator, Ryan has taught everything from English and drama to public speaking and career readiness.
Ryan's passion for the arts extends beyond the classroom—he has been a leader in community theater, arts education programs, and even served as a Board Member for the Bower Center before joining us as staff. He holds degrees in Speech Communication and Theater Education (Ball State University) and a Master's in Teaching Writing (Miami University).
Susan brings more than 30 years’ experience in non-profit management to the Bower Center for the Arts, most recently serving as the Executive Director of Bower Center for the Arts & CEO of the Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce for 11 years. In these roles, she developed strong leadership and management skills and completed a professional development program receiving her IOM, Institute for Organization Management designation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. This four-year program educates participants on all facets of running a non-profit. Susan holds a BA in Journalism and Marketing from Marshall University.
Anna M. Filiaggi graduated from Longwood University in 2018 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in painting and drawing. Since graduating she has been an elementary art teacher, museum educator, an art instructor, and recreation specialist with both Lynchburg and Charlottesville Parks and Recreation. She has taught a wide range of mediums such as acrylic and oil painting, stained glass, fiber arts, and papermaking. She is excited to spread her love of the arts with the community of Bedford!
Vacant
Exhibits Coordinator
Virginia Lee Dickens (a.k.a. FRATCH), born in 1963, is a photographer, artist, and graphic designer. She graduated in 1984 from the Ringling College of Art and Design. Her major was illustration. Directly after Ringling, she continued her studies in Advanced Portfolio at the School of Visual Arts, NYC.
Virginia is a Studio Artist at Bower Center for the Arts. Check out her studio on the 2nd floor.
Contact Us
info@bowercenter.org
540-586-4235