Robert Ellison

(American, born 1946, died 2012)

Artist Robert Ellison (1946-2012) was known nationwide for his towering sculptures. Born in Detroit, he received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and Master of Fine Arts degree from Michigan State University and went on to create over three decades of art. He worked in ceramics first, but preferred the permanence of steel, saying: “Every sculpture I’ve ever built is still in existence. If I’m going to spend a lot of time and effort making these pieces, I want them to last forever.” He was also a teacher at College of Marin in California, Michigan State University, Lansing Community College in Michigan, and the San Francisco Academy of Art.