2025 Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist

The Suzie Viemeister Emerging Artist Studio Residency was established through the generosity of the Viemeister family to continue the legacy of Suzie Viemeister, exceptional Philanthropist, and prolific supporter of the Arts in Bedford. Suzie had long inspired many in Bedford and the region with her unlimited enthusiasm and commitment to helping and supporting the Arts. As a generous champion for painters, sculptors, and other artists, this fund is established to continue her legacy.

PROGRAM MISSION

The Suzie Veimeister Emerging Artist Program provides up and coming artists the opportunity to further develop their artistic skills and the business behind art while being supported by creative and professional local businesses and artists.

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Once a year, Bower Center for the Arts Emerging Artist Committee will award an Emerging Artist to participate in a 6-to-9-month residency. The panel consists of Susan Martin, Executive Director for the Bower Center for the Arts; Revelle Hamilton, Artist Liaison, past board member & member of the Exhibits Committee; and Katie Viemeister, daughter of Suzie Viemeister & member of the Exhibits Committee; Desmond Black, Artist, Past Board President & current Board Member. Selection of the artist is based on artistic merit, commitment and eligibility as listed below. Awarded residency will be publicly announced.

Artists may submit applications once a call for emerging artists is announced. Requirements for submissions are listed below.

Resident artists will have 24-hour access to a private rent-free studio. The Residency concludes with a two-month solo exhibition at Bower Center for the Arts. During the residency, artists benefit from opportunities for professional development and collaboration with peers while utilizing two handbooks related to Artists Working in Community and Business Skills for Artists. Artists will have the opportunity to work with several mentors, learn exhibit preparation, marketing, business planning, engage in events and activities with Bower Center for the Arts and collaborate with other studio artists.

Residents will be expected to actively contribute to Bower Center artistic and educational programming by participating in artist receptions, participate with the Exhibits Committee including hanging exhibits, being available for studio visits and tours, and working in their studio, when available, during Bower Centers business hours. Residents are also required to give a presentation, artist talk and/or demonstration to the public to coincide with their residency or exhibition.

The program is funded through the endowment established through the Gala and Art Auction of Suzie Viemeister’s collection on November 3, 2018. The extent of the program is based on funds raised at this event at this time.

The Bower Center’s facilities are fully accessible to the handicapped and we encourage all artists to consider submitting for our residency of opportunities. The Bower Center for the Arts is committed to diversity and inclusivity, welcoming all regardless of age, ethnicity, gender expression or religion.

TO APPLY - Please review the Eligibility & Application Requirements below. Submit Application Requirements via email to info@bowercenter.org. Questions contact 540-586-4235.

Eligibility 

1. The Emerging Artist Residency is available to promising artists in their formative years committed to advancing their own work and professional careers. This includes High School Seniors, ages 17+.
2. Artists applying for residency may not have had a previous solo exhibit. Artists may have been active for 5 years or less.
3. Artists working in most visual mediums will be considered, including experimental media; however, artists working with toxic materials, hazardous machinery, etc. will not be considered due to limitations within the building.
4. During the residency period, artists must be ready to enjoy working in an open studio setting where the public is able to interact with the artist during public hours. Artists are asked to work in the studio a minimum of 15 hours per week. (Including some public hours).
5. Artists should be available to meet a minimum of once a month with assigned mentors.
6. This program is focused on emerging artists living in Bedford and the Central Virginia region.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

1. Resume
2. Artist Statement (Not to exceed 200 words) Please include an explanation as to why you are entering the residency program.
3. Letter of Recommendation
4. Images and/or Videos – Applicant’s Choice. (See criteria below)
5. Image List in PDF. An annotated image list accompanying digital images/videos with title of work, media, size, and year completed. File titled Lastname-Firstname_List.pdf

VIDEOS
Video submissions should adhere to the following criteria:

1. 5-minute maximum.
2. A minimum of 3 videos (can be segments of longer works) have been completed within the last 2 years.
3. MPEG-4, AVI, or MOV file formats only.
4. All videos must be saved using a file name and number that corresponds to the annotated image list.
5. Files titled Lastname-Firstname_Video#