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.
Dotti Stone
Exhibits Manager
d.stone@bowercenter.org
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).
Dotti studied art at Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU), Richmond, VA. She spent over 40 years in the photography business in the DC area where she also operated Great Falls Stained Glass and later took up mosaics. She moved to southwest Virginia in 2007, began teaching mosaics to adults and youth at Bower Center in 2009, and in 2010 started managing exhibits. In 2015 she and a few other mosaic artists formed BRMA, Blue Ridge Mosaic Artists, who call Bower Center home. The group meets bimonthly, exhibits mosaics, and works on community mosaic projects.
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