william bentley rowe (1910–1955) was an american artist and art educator who worked primarily in new york and new mexico. he was a versatile artist who used a wide range of mediums with great success. he also executed several large murals. rowe was a leading member of the art institute of buffalo. other well-known members of the institute included charles e. burchfield, edwin dickinson, david foster pratt, and isaac soyer. however, rowe was the driving-force behind the art institute’s development and growth during the nineteen thirties and forties.