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Bea Kuhlke Obituary
AIKEN, SC - Bea Kuhlke died peacefully at home in Aiken early Sunday morning, December 21, after a year-long battle with lung cancer, and complications from stroke. She was 73 years old.
Bea was a prolific and popular painter and art teacher in the CSRA, and leaves for the ages a rich legacy of paintings and inspired art students. Bea was born and raised in Augusta, Georgia. After graduating from Georgia Southern, she lived in Florence, Italy for two years studying art under European master Hans J. Staude. Upon her return to the U.S. she began her full-time art career, supporting herself and a series of beloved dogs, painting in her studio on Reynolds Street in Augusta, and for the last twelve years in her backyard studio building at her home in Aiken. Bea was on faculty at the Gertrude Herbert Institute of Art in Augusta for 25 years, and has since conducted numerous workshops and seminars for serious painters in the CSRA.
Among artists and art appreciators, Bea's work is well-known for the richness and surprising combinations of colors she employs. Her subjects have always reflected her love of the beauty of life around her, as seen in her dazzling florals, provocative interiors, colorful landscapes, and almost magical dog portraits. Her love of life and unshakable integrity is reflected in the beauty and honesty of her artwork.
Bea was predeceased by her parents, Edmund Hill Kuhlke and Lilian Hook Kuhlke of Augusta, GA. She is survived by her husband of 12 years, J. Craig Chattin; two sisters - Caroline Tefft of Augusta, GA, and Agnes Holah of Eugene, OR; two step children - John Chattin of Pawcatuck, CT and Dianne Orton of Conway, SC; and four step grandchildren.
There are no visiting hours. A celebration of Bea's life will be held at her church, the Unitarian Universalist Church of Augusta, at a date to be announced. Interment will be a private family affair. Donations in Bea's name, in lieu of flowers, will be welcomed at the SPCA or any animal shelter.
Expressions of sympathy may be left at www.southcarolinacremation.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bea Kuhlke
Joyce Law in Augusta,GA
December 17, 2022
Bea's sweet friendship and talent are both readily remembered through her artwork, which is prominently displayed in multiple rooms in our residence.
Bill Lawless
December 17, 2021
I have paintings by Bea in my home that I´ve treasured for years! Thanks, Bea, for these wonderful memories, Bill
Laurie Cordaro
January 24, 2015
I only knew Bea through her gorgeous, color-drenched artworks and am saddened to hear of her home going. Know that she continues to make beautiful art, and that beauty and love for color lives on in our hearts! The Augusta and CSRA arts communities mourn with you in her loss. She enriched us all!
Bill Lawless
January 8, 2015
I was shocked to have just learned about Bea's passing. She was a friend who had painted for me. She was a friend who always stopped to talk with me over the many years we knew each other. She was a quiet friend, steady in her friendship, gentle in her views, kind in her remarks, a very good fiend to have. I shall miss her very much. Craig, I'm sorry for your loss.
Myrtie Cushman
December 29, 2014
So sorry to hear of Bea's death; she was a gifted artist and painted with plenty of color.
December 29, 2014
Randy and I were both shocked and saddened to hear of Bea's passing. She was just the loveliest and most talented lady and I will always treasure my painting from Bea. Our prayers are with you Craig.
Debbie & Randy Strautmann
Marjorie Milne
December 29, 2014
Bea will be greatly missed in the art community. I am so sorry for your loss.
Thomas Dill
December 28, 2014
Just returned from vacation to learn of Bea's death. She and I shared a couple of connections and I am saddened that that has ended. I'll miss her.
M Johnson
December 28, 2014
To the Kuhlke family, May God be with you during this most difficult time. Psalms 94:19.
Mary Alice Lockhart
December 26, 2014
So sad that Bea has left us. She was a wonderful teacher and artist and showed such enthusiasm for both. She will be missed.
Elizabeth Claypool
December 26, 2014
I was so sorry to hear of Bea's death. I took painting classes from her about 20 years ago and have the fondest memories of her. I not only admired her beautiful art work but her zest for life and independent spirit. I learned so much from her and will always be grateful for the encouragement she gave me to express myself though art.
December 24, 2014
Bea's love of life in all its forms enabled so many others to expand their sense of being joyfully alive. Bea's art and instruction by example of an artist's life fulfilled have left a indelible legacy. May the fortune of your indeible memories bring a smile to your days when you miss Bea. Our prayers, extending from the strength of continuous friendship, will surround and uplift you during Bea's eternal transition. Joyce Law and Family
December 23, 2014
I am saddened to learn of Bea's death. She was a childhood friend of mine and I have always admired her talent and her love of things beautiful. The loss is great no matter when it happens and my prayer for you is that your faith and your family help you through this difficult and sad time. Sincerely, Fitzallen Eldridge (Yow)
Bruce Harling
December 23, 2014
Craig, I was saddened to hear of Bea's passing. I hope you go through this in peace.
Jimmy Thomas
December 23, 2014
You were special in the eyes of so many. Rest in Peace, Bea.
And & Alice Reese
December 23, 2014
Craig, Bea's paintings and professionalism speak for themselves. More importantly, she was a thoroughly classy lady with a big heart and a personality that made one want to be around her. Alice and my hearts go out to you at this difficult time. We will miss her, too.
December 23, 2014
My heart goes out to you for your deep loss you must be feeling for your beloved Bea. How sad to lose someone so loved and so needed. May you find comfort in prayer and in one another. (Jeremiah 29:12,13)
Heidi Waters
December 23, 2014
Please accept my deepest condolences - it is so hard to lose a loved one.
Steve Ellis
December 23, 2014
My prayers are with your family.
Jay
December 23, 2014
I am very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God during this sad time. "Draw close to God and he will draw close to you." (James 2:8)
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