Jay S. Holland

Jay S. Holland of Oak Park, Michigan, considered by many "the father of Detroit sculpture," died June 15, 2016. A recipient of many awards, including the Michigan Creative Artists Grant, Holland was a maestro on Detroit's arts scene for more than six decades. Born in 1928 to Wesley and June Ballantine Holland, he grew up in Detroit with his younger siblings Craig, a landscape painter; Arden, who achieved a double doctorate in education; and Diana (deceased), a singer and dancer who married painter John A. Jacobson. Holland graduated from Cass Technical High School's commercial arts program in 1947, received his undergraduate degree from the Society of Arts and Crafts, now College for Creative Studies (CCS), and completed his education at the Cranbrook Academy of Art after serving in the Korean War. Jay married his high school sweetheart, Lois Sundberg, forging a union that lasted half a century until her death in 2002. The couple shared an avid interest in museums, gardening, opera, film, the Civil War and people. While at Cranbrook, Holland taught privately at the Jewish Community Center and the Detroit Institute of Arts. From 1964 to 1998 at CCS, he taught sculpture. Professor Holland simultaneously chaired the Sculpture and Fine Arts Departments where he had a profound influence on thousands of students, teaching them to see, remember, replicate and interpret. Holland's masterful and expressive work is in many public and private collections. His internationally lauded work was last shown in January 2016 at the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. The exhibit included Holland's 1983-1989 masterpiece, the life-size warrior Manapart. Described by the artist as "wounded and lacerated," it is an artistic and technical achievement that emanates power. Holland's former student and friend Todd Erickson said of his mentor "Jay Holland stood for integrity, culture, generosity and humanity. He and his work are optimistic, observant and hyper aware of past and present human condition." Holland's website includes a fitting epitaph: "The next chapter in this sculpture saga is in a state of evolution with a promising exhibition on the horizon… and the sins of old age yet to come." His last hours were accompanied by his favorite operatic performer, Enrico Caruso, while awaiting his final repose as all that knew him will appreciate. Visitation will be held Tuesday, June 21, 2016 from 4-9 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan and Son Funeral Home, 705 W 11 Mile Road (4 blocks E of Woodward), Royal Oak. Share your memories at www.sullivanfuneraldirectors.com.

Jay S. Holland

November 16, 1928 - June 15, 2016