Bernard Jackson "Bernie" Felch

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Bernard Felch Obituary

Felch, Bernard Jackson "Bernie"
Bernard Jackson "Bernie" Felch, 83, artist, of Landenberg, PA died October 30, 2008 after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife Rosamond L. duPont, his brother Kenneth Felch, daughters Andrea, Lindsey, Meredith, and son Lucas, as well as stepchildren Gus, Frank, Maria, Sophie, and Louis, and sixteen grandchildren.
Bernie grew up in Rochester NY, graduated from West High School, earning a B.A. from Williams College and an M.F.A. from the University of Delaware. He served in the 102nd Infantry Division in World War II. Following the war he studied painting in Paris and in New York, at the Arts Students League. An accomplished watercolorist, sculptor, and ceramicist, Bernie worked with his mentor Frans Wildenhain at the School for American Craftsmen in Rochester, kindling a lifelong passion for creating carved brick walls.
He taught and inspired students at Eaglebrook School in Deerfield, MA, Shady Side Academy, Pittsburgh, PA, the Tatnall School in Wilmington, DE, and became the Chairman of the Fine Arts Department at Lincoln University in Oxford, PA. After retiring from Lincoln in 1998, he taught ceramics at the Center for Creative Arts in Yorklyn, DE.
Bernie's work has been shown extensively, featuring installations in Delaware and Pennsylvania museums, schools, universities, public spaces and private collections.
A show of his new watercolors is opening at Bookplace in Oxford, PA on November 7, from 5 to 8 pm. Friends, family, and art-lovers are invited to celebrate Bernie's spirit and life's work.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Rochester Democrat And Chronicle on Nov. 2, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Bernard Felch

9 Entries

November 14, 2008

Dear Roz:
I just heard about Bernie from Jennifer H. I am so terribly sorry. What a huge loss and I know you must be having a very hard time of it. I feel badly because I think of you often and like and admire both of you so much. I had intended to visit you multiple times but I am always so damned busy and so poor at managing my work and stress load (not to mention cursedly shy) that I always put it off. I have the delightful holiday cards and drawings that Bernie gave to me close at hand and whenever my desk gets cleared off, I enjoy catching a glimpse of them. He was such a very special and wonderful person and such a talented artist--and with no ego. That sparkle in his eye and his special laugh. Always a positive and giving, kind person. I enjoyed my visits to your wonderful home and your kindness and interest in my doings was uplifting. I know it sounds trite, but I am grateful for having known Bernie and he (and you) have enriched my life in a lasting and meaningful way.
with sympathy and affection,
Christine Oaklander

Monica Russo

November 9, 2008

Dear Roz,

What an amazing partnership you and Bernie have had.

I have so many vibrant and interesting memories of your life together - marvelling as a kid that you actually lived in a church - i remember the thrill of playing amongst the paintings; drinking mom's Christmas Glug out of Bernie's clay goblets while stringing popcorn and cranberries; gathering around mom's kitchen table to catch up on her health and local politics.

You guys always seem like newlyweds, so in love and such great friends. I know that Bernie's spirit continues to live inside and all around you.

With lots of love,

Naomi Gorrell

November 7, 2008

It was a great priviledge to know and work with Bernie during his creation of the tile wall in the Quarryville Library. The work has always been a treasure to us and will now become a greater treasure as it continues to remind us of his quiet and gentle nature as he went about his work. He will be missed!

Carla Pastore

November 5, 2008

Bernie was a great artist and a wonderful teacher. He taught at the Center for the Creative Arts in Yorklyn, Delaware for over a decade and inspired so many students This winter I had the privilege of taking a workshop with him on clay slab building and mask making. He was a phenomenal teacher who guided you in the creative process, but allowed you to find you own way and your own style. He had such a deep understanding of the arts and it was expressed in all his works. Over the years Bernie helped the Center for the Creative Arts in so many ways and we are deeply appreciative. He was a very special person and will be greatly missed by us all.

Becky Eppig

November 4, 2008

I am a better person for having known you Bernie. Your work has inspired many, and your kindness I will never forget. CCArts truley won't be the same without you. Your family is in my thoughts an prayers

Matt Laine

November 4, 2008

Bernie, a hell of an Artist and a real good guy

Andrea Russo

November 3, 2008

I am so saddened to learn of Bernie's passing. I have so many memories of Bernie from my childhood. It is impossible not to think of him every time I enter my mother's house and see his art work adorning the walls.

Magdalena Cohen

November 3, 2008

Bernie, you will be missed dearly. You are an important part of many of my memories and being a child surrounded by you and your circle of friends has had a large influence on who i am today and the values i cherish. i am grateful for having known you.

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