Bernie Rowell, age 76, died peacefully in her sleep the evening of October 21st, 2023, after a 4 year battle with Hashimoto's Encephalopathy, an auto-immune disease which attacked the connective tissues in her brain. She was a beloved mother, sister and spouse who leaves behind husband Robert; sisters Janet, Chrissy and Mary Jo; and children Teresa and David. Bernie devoted much of her life to her art, she worked mainly in fiber and mixed media and her unique pieces can be found in residential and public spaces throughout the country. She was generous with her time, mentoring many young artists and serving on countless committees and boards of the many art organizations to which she belonged. Her loss leaves a void that will be difficult to fill. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday November 4th, 2pm to 4pm at the Folk Art Center, Asheville, NC.

Posted online on November 01, 2023

Published in Black Mountain News

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(from her website www.bernierowell.com)

As a child I learned this one true thing: making art made me happy. That is still true today. I have to be an artist; it's how I heal myself, how I must spend my time. I have made my living as an artist for more than 25 years, so I must be doing something right!

The solitary aspect of studio work is my daily meditation, and the problem solving that art making requires keeps me interested. People tell me they thoroughly enjoy living with my art quilts. I think that is because I put a lot of positive energy and passion into creating them.

I've been a member of the Southern Highland Craft Guild for more than 30 years, and my art quilts hang in dozens of hospitals, homes, and businesses. Galleries and special exhibitions show my work, and national magazines have written stories about my painted quilts. I not only create art quilts, I occasionally teach others about quilting and art.

When I'm not working in my studio, I work in the garden, cherish visits from my adult children, and frequent the Asheville farmers' market that make cooking with my husband Robert an everyday joy.