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Clyde Fowler Obituary
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clyde and Catherine Fowler; and his brother, Gregg.
A native of Burlington, NC, he graduated from Walter Williams High School and earned a B.F.A. in Communication Art and Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. He studied drawing at the Arts Students League and the National Academy of Fine Arts. He was an art instructor at Western Alamance High School for several years before being chosen to direct the Visual Arts Program at the North Carolina School of the Arts.
A teacher of enormous power and influence, he instructed for 30 years at NCSA, from 1975-2005. He was known for his humor, for being able to share his thrill of true creativity in the classroom, and his demand for artistic rigor. He ignited a lifelong spark that has been the foundation and inspiration for the careers of scores of current artists. In 1995 he was given the NCSA Award for Teaching Excellence.
His painting was distinguished by inclusion in the 40th Annual North Carolina Artists Exhibition at the NC Museum of Art in 1985 and was shown at the Southeastern Center for Contemporary Art, Weatherspoon Gallery, Green Hill Center, Inter-Section Gallery, Lee Hansley Gallery, Long View Gallery, and in exhibitions in Japan and Berlin. It also was featured in episodes of "Better Call Saul".
He is mourned and survived by his aunt, Dorothy Fowler McAdams; cousin, Carolyn Kukel Sharpe; many second and third cousins; and legions of friends, colleagues, and students.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Saturday, the 6th of Feb., at the First Reformed United Church of Christ, 513 Front Street, Burlington, NC 27215.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Clyde Fowler Endowed Scholarship for Visual Arts or The Clyde Fowler Endowed Scholarship for Design and Production at UNCSA (checks should be made to the UNCSA Foundation, indicating the scholarship name on the memo line), Office of Advancement, UNCSA, 1533 S. Main Street, Winston Salem, NC 27127 or to the First Reformed United Church of Christ, 513 W. Front Street, Burlington, NC 27215.
Online condolences may be made at the Rich and Thompson Funeral and Cremation Service in Burlington website http://www.richandthompson.com or on the We Love You Clyde Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clyde Fowler
Deborah Wilson
January 28, 2019
Every time I enter a museum or view art in any form I think of Clyde. He saw art everywhere and was able to communicate his understanding and love of art in such a personal way. One of the highlights of my teaching experience was at the Metropolitan Museum of Art viewing The Last Supper (on loan at the time) with Clyde where he opened a new world of observation and theory in his explanation. He will always be remembered for the honest love he had for people and cultures far and wide.
Deborah Wilson
February 6, 2016
I taught with Clyde at Western Alamance 1972-1976. He was an inspiration to all who knew and loved him.
Amber Herford
February 6, 2016
He was my Art Teacher in 1970 at western High School. He was always so kind and a great person. I know that he will be missed.
Kay Cole
February 6, 2016
My thoughts and prayers are with Clyde's family. Clyde will be missed by many for all of his wonderful traits. Loved him.
Heather Sugg
February 5, 2016
Thanks for believing in me, Clyde! I admired your intensity, passion, and love for the creative process.
-VA student 1992
February 5, 2016
My deepest sympathy to Clyde's family--I hadn't seen him for many years but I remember him so well. He was a great man who touched so many and was loved by many. He will be missed forever. Cathy Johnson
February 5, 2016
We provided Landscaping needs for Clyde for over 12 years. Clyde was easy going and a wonderful guy, very nice and Super Talented. We will miss him dearly. RIP Clyde.
Roger Cates
February 5, 2016
It's obvious Clyde Fowler, what a impact ,and influence you've made, and touched so many lives, with your sweet spirit.This man was a class act. A Southern gentleman,scholar, and a fine judge of art..Thank you for sharing your talent ,with all that knew you.Your presence will be terribly missed ...for you left us much too soon.I like to think that heaven got one special angel...It pains me knowing ,that I will never see that smiling face, and natural smile again.I can only hold you in my thoughts with love...Paint the skies for us Clyde...eyes to the skies...
Elaine Prevatte Cowan
February 5, 2016
You will be missed by so many!
Wendy Stancil
February 5, 2016
I was in Clyde's visual arts program at NCSA. 24 years later, I still use the things he taught us about art, integrity, how to see, to question, challenge ourselves, to be present, mindful and truthful..Giant lessons for life as well...all taught through his brilliance, intensity and humor. Thank you, Clyde. You leave behind an amazingly powerful legacy. Sending prayers of peace and comfort to his family and friends.
Kathryn Fulk Nix
February 5, 2016
He will truly be missed by all
Barbara Allen Dunn
February 5, 2016
I will miss you and all the memories we shared growing up together at church and all through high school. Breaks my heart I loved you my friend
February 5, 2016
Good friend at church and WHS loved you always Barbarra Allen Dunn
Ken Prichard
February 4, 2016
Clyde was one of only 2 teachers at WHS that would have anything to do with the Terrible Trio. He met us where we were and let us know we were safe with him. What an inspiring and just totally cool teacher and human being. When I have had occasion to hire art teachers, I've always looked for another Clyde Fowler. But he was the only one. We will always love and appreciate our friend.
Andrew Platt
February 4, 2016
Clyde was such a decent man, and such an honest teacher. He was the first teacher in my life who ever tried to reach the real "me." No doubt he did the same for many, many others. I will never forget his graciousness and his toughness, and his willingness to push his students to find their very best creative selves.
Tyler Chandler
February 4, 2016
Clyde was my teacher at the School of the Arts, also taught my father when he was a student teacher at Western Alamance High. Very sad loss, RIP
Laurie Reich
February 4, 2016
Clyde,
I will never forget you. Thank you for sharing your artistic teachings, talents, passion and knowledge with all of us students through the decades. You will be forever missed by all who loved and looked up to you.
Cynthia Ring Foster
February 4, 2016
Clyde Fowler taught me how to be fearless and to trust my choices. He trained my eye and my soul. I will be forever grateful for his love. May his light continue to shine through everyone who knew him!
Beverly Litten
February 4, 2016
I was his student when he taught at Western Alamance High. He was an excellent teacher, fun, and always had a smile on his face. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
February 4, 2016
Dear, sweet Clyde. I've known you all of my life and I will miss you forever. May peace be with you.
Mary Anne Elder Larson
Malcolm McKinsey
February 4, 2016
Clyde taught me to draw with passion and accuracy. He was a wonderful teacher and a good man.
February 4, 2016
Mendy Saul Wallace Robbins
Hope Christmas Goude
February 3, 2016
Mr. Fowler was one of the highlights of my years at Western Alamance High School. He was a free spirit and I loved that about him. He will be missed, very much, by all that knew him. My condolences to his family.
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Rich & Thompson Funeral & Cremation Service - Burlington306 Glenwood Ave, Burlington, NC 27215
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