Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist Residency

The Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist Studio Residency was established through the generosity of the Viemeister Family to honor the legacy of Suzie Viemeister, a passionate philanthropist and dedicated supporter of the visual arts in Bedford, Virginia. Her enthusiasm and commitment to artists inspired many, and this residency continues her mission of nurturing creative talent.

The program was established through proceeds from the Gala and Art Auction of Suzie Viemeister’s collection held on November 3, 2018. It continues to be funded through contributions from the Viemeister family and private donors.

PROGRAM MISSION STATEMENT

The residency supports emerging visual artists working in non-digital forms such as painting, drawing, sculpture, fiber, paper, or mixed media to help them develop both their artistic practice and the business of being an artist. Through mentorship, collaboration, and community engagement, artists are empowered to grow professionally while being supported by local creatives and businesses.

Residencies usually begin in mid-March and run through the following January. The application window for the 2026 residency is now open, and closes on February 28, 2026.

Residency Overview

• Duration: 6–10 months (based on artist availability)
• Location: Bower Center for the Arts, Bedford, VA
• Studio Access: 24-hour access to a private, rent-free studio
• Final Exhibition: Solo show at Bower Center for the Arts

Benefits

• Private Studio, rent-free, for the duration of the residency
• Professional development and mentorship
• Free participation in up to two Bower Center for the Arts classes
• Opportunities for collaboration with other studio artists
• Exhibit preparation, marketing, and business planning support
• Ability to sell works (minus commission) in the Bower Center for the Arts Retail Areas
• A monthly mentorship program
• A solo exhibition at the conclusion of the residency

Resident Responsibilities

• Maintain an average of 15 studio hours per week, including at least one day during open hours per month
• Meet regularly with mentors
• Present an artist talk, demonstration, or public presentation during the reception of their solo exhibition
• Serve on the Exhibits Committee and assist with exhibit installations
• Be active in the Bower Center for the Arts, attending all Exhibit Receptions and attending or volunteering at a variety of Bower Center events
• Visit other area galleries to examine them through the lens of a professional artist
• At the conclusion of the residency, contribute a minimum of two pieces to sell at Bower Center for the Arts, with the proceeds going directly to the Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist Residency Program.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an emerging artist in the formative years of their visual arts career (including graduating high school seniors, age 17+)
• Have been a practicing artist for five years or less
• Have not had a previous solo exhibition
• Work in visual media (excluding hazardous materials or dangerous equipment due to building limitations)
• Reside in Bedford or the surrounding Central Virginia region
• Be comfortable working in an open studio setting with public interaction
• Be available for monthly mentor meetings

Selection Process

Artists are selected by a 3-person panel composed of a:

• Bower Center for the Arts representative
• Viemeister family member
• Local professional artist

Selection is based on:

• Artistic merit
• Commitment to professional growth
• Integrity and authenticity
• Eligibility Criteria

Bower Center for the Arts is committed to diversity and inclusivity. We strongly encourage new artists of all ages and backgrounds to apply.  All facilities are fully accessible.

Application Requirements

Documents

• Resume
• Artist Statement (max 250 words)
  • Describe your identity as an emerging artist
  • Explain your interest in the residency
• Minimum One Letter of Recommendation

Portfolio Submission

Images (Digital)

• 10 digital images of 10 works completed in the last 2 years
  • 3D artists may submit up to 20 images (2 views per piece)
• JPEG format preferred.  If possible, title the images “LastName_FirstName_Title”
• List of titles, media, and sizes

Images (Printed Packet)

• First page: Name and annotated list of works
• One image per page (8.5x11), clearly printed with artist name and title of the piece on each  page.
• Do not submit original artwork

Note: All submitted media remains the property of the artist and will not be used by Bower Center for the Arts without written consent.

All applicants can submit either by email or by postal mail.  If digitally submitted, be sure the name of the applicant is in subject line as well as in the title of all documents sent.

Please be sure your application contains the following items, postmarked no later than February 28, 2026:

• Resume
• Artist Statement
• Portfolio Requirements
• At least one Letter of Recommendation
  • Letter of Recommendation can be sent directly to Bower Center for the Arts if the referrer prefers

Email: info@bowercenter.org

Address:

Attn: Executive Director

Bower Center for the Arts

305 N. Bridge St.

Bedford, VA 24523

If you have any questions about applying for this residency, please contact Ryan Steffen at r.steffen@bowercenter.org or by calling 540-586-4235.