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By Emilio Sahurie
TUSCALOOSA - Not even a degenerative
disorder could impede Anna Von de Bardeleben's love of art.
When multiple sclerosis slowed her
mobility or kept her from painting detailed landscapes, Bardeleben concentrated
on abstract paintings.
"She created work during a difficult
time," said Kentuck executive director Miah Michaelsen. "It's an extraordinary
testament to the love she had for art in her life."
Well-known in local art circles,
Bardeleben died Saturday at her Tuscaloosa home. She was 54.
A native of Huntsville, Bardeleben
was the president of West Alabama Art Association and she founded the MS
Society of Tuscaloosa.
An artist for more than 20 years,
Bardeleben had studied art in America and abroad. Creating art was an escape
for Bardeleben, said her daughter, Megan McLeod.
"For her, painting was an expression
of freedom," McLeod said. "She was able to lose the pain."
McLeod and Bardeleben share a mother-daughter
exhibit at the Junior League Art Gallery at the Bama Theatre. Preparing
for that art show, Bardeleben wrote some notes about her background and
her work.
"What is art?" Bardeleben wrote.
"It begins with man's awareness. It's everything that we feel, we touch
and experience."
Stricken with MS in her 40s, Bardeleben
founded the MS Society of Atlanta, the MS Society of Tuscaloosa and was
outspoken statewide.
Memorial services will be 10:30 a.m.
Saturday at Saint Matthias Episcopal Church. The family requests donations,
in lieu of flowers, to the National MS Society, 733 Third Ave., New York,
NY., 10017.
Staff Writer
June 25, 2001
Copyright © 2000 The Tuscaloosa
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