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 25 years’ experience in non-profit management to the Bower Center for the Arts, most recently serving as the Director of the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act in the Blue Ridge Region and as the President & 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.
Lauren graduated from Liberty University in 2021 with a degree in Youth Ministry. Worked for nonprofit in Brunswick, GA the summer after graduation followed by a year as a substitute teacher in Greensboro, NC.
Growing up in the performing arts, she would spend summers at a variety of arts camps. Doing theatre, singing in the choir, and a competitive dancer most of her life- Lauren believes that art in its most beautiful form is a pure expression of emotion. Whether that’s through a painting, a song or dance routine – it’s all an outlet for feelings. Being an introvert, she always had a tough time communicating but performing arts allowed her to completely let go of that anxiety as she found peace in being able to openly express herself through a character. She believes that the arts are vital in many people’s lives and are available to anyone and everyone. Whether you’re a graduate from SCAD or a single mom with a dream, there is truly no limit to a person’s potential – as long as there’s passion.
Alpha Massaquoi Jr
Exhibits Coordinator
alphamassaquoijr@gmail.com
Alpha was born in Liberia as the youngest of four in an upper‑middle‑class family, with a father who worked for the U.S. Embassy and a mother who was a tailor and small charcoal‑business owner. At fourteen, he and his family moved to the United States in pursuit of the American dream, navigating the challenges of the 2008 recession along with experiences of racism and colorism. As an interdisciplinary artist and poet, his practice focuses on dismantling conventions by transforming everyday materials such as charcoal, coffee, gouache, and soft pastel into vessels for storytelling, memory, and atmosphere.
Alpha earned his BA from Towson University and his MFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University. His work has appeared in major group exhibitions across the U.S., including Novo Legado and Black Creatives at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, and in notable solo shows such as Black Noise in Baltimore and Boston, as well as Led by The Holy Spirit. He is the recipient of the Macon Art Prize, Free Fall Baltimore Grant, Awesome Baltimore Grant, Montague Travel Grant, and The Masc. Independent Artist Award, and was a 2024 finalist for the AXA Art Prize. Alpha is also the founder of the Hot Sauce Artist Collective, dedicated to supporting artists and connecting everyday people with the arts.
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