The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center is now featuring the artwork of Trish Dover-Bedwell, Program Director for the Mount Rogers Adult Education Program. Her exhibit, now on display at the Center, highlights five years of creative work and includes pieces available for purchase.

Dover-Bedwell, who primarily works in watercolor, first discovered her passion for art through nature journaling as a Master Naturalist in 2020. What began as a personal hobby quickly grew into a calling. “Drawing is like any other skill in life—it’s something we can learn and practice,” she said. “Once I realized that, the light bulb went on. I just started practicing, and it opened up a whole new world for me.”

Her work is inspired by the natural world and personal memories. Two of her pieces on display have earned awards at the Chautauqua Festival in the Park Art and Photography Show. In addition to her paintings, Dover-Bedwell has created cards and prints of her artwork, some of which are available for sale during the exhibit.

The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center invites the community to visit and enjoy Dover-Bedwell’s exhibit, which celebrates both artistic expression and the power of lifelong learning.