rowe went on to become a major figure in the buffalo art community. in 1935, he began a cooperative studio where artists could share the costs of materials and exhibitions. however, his main efforts were aimed at developing the art institute of buffalo. as a member of the faculty, he taught painting, theory and art history. rowe was a popular teacher, but he was also a demanding instructor and a very tough critic of his student’s work. many of his peers found him hard to deal with; nevertheless, he became director of the painting department in 1938, and in 1942 became president of the art institute’s board of directors. he continued to serve in these posts until 1945, and remained on the faculty until 1951.