Rollin G. Jansky

My father Erik Forrest worked with Rollin at Parkside. I´d like to connect with family if possible. I have two of his sculptures and would love some more info and provenance on the work as my father died recently at 991/2. Thanks. Fiona

Rollin and my dad, Bill Witt, eleven years ago.

Rollin was my dad's best friend for nearly his entire life. When my dad passed, Rollin called out of the blue that morning. They shared quite a link, in a lifetime of joyful moments together. When I had a dream about Rollin earlier this month, I was deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Now he and dad are engaged in their usual lively conversation, replete with MANY HAND GESTURES, on the other side. Rollin was one of a kind, and the reason I became an artist. He will be missed.

Rollin was on my hiring committee when I interviewed for an art position many years ago, and his genial professional personality was straight forward & reassuring: one of the reasons I took the job...later as a fellow colleague his hearty laugh that bellowed down the faculty hallway was always a welcome sign of collegial engagement & communication. He was good friend & great teacher!

I had Prof Jansky as a drawing teacher at Parkside in the 90´s...and I find myself explaining the lines/movements of drawing to my own students using the same gestures and sounds he used for us. He definitely made an impression and I learned a lot from him...he will be missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Jansky was my first high school art teacher when I was a sophomore at the brand new LaFollette High School in Madison. Although I never became an artist or art teacher, Mr. Jansky left me with a lasting influence in choices I made. He showed us how dishes could be artistic and because of him my cupboards are filled with pottery. He opened our eyes to art versus kitsch. Mr. Jansky was my introduction to art appreciation in the real world.