Peter Gilleran, 85 - art was his passion
Kathi
May 25, 2007
BY JOE ROSSITER
FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER
A passion for art was the driving force behind Peter Gilleran's
imaginative talent and his love for teaching.
Mr. Gilleran, a local artist and retired educator, died May 15 of
complications due to heart disease at Woodward Hills Nursing Center in
Bloomfield Hills. He was 85 and lived in Birmingham.
"He was a truly remarkable artist who was compelled to draw," said
Richard Bilaitis, former chair of the Department of Art and Art
History at Wayne State University, where Mr. Gilleran taught for 35
years. "He lived, ate and slept painting and drawing and inspired many
students to choose careers in the field."
Encouraged to draw at an early age by a mother who recognized his
talent and influenced by knowledgeable teachers, Mr. Gilleran
continued to hone his artistic skills and graduated from Cass Tech
High School in 1939. During World War II, he served in the Army Signal
Corps as a draftsman while being stationed in India and China.
After the war, he attended Colorado Fine Arts Center, where he met his
future wife, Anne Crow. They were married in 1947, and a year later he
earned an arts degree from Colorado College in Colorado Springs. After
the couple moved to the Detroit area, Mr. Gilleran earned a master's
in fine arts from Cranbrook Academy of Art in 1950.
He started teaching in the art department at Wayne State in 1954,
specializing in graphic design. He retired in 1989. During that time,
he also taught at the Cranbrook academy for nearly a decade.
After retiring, Mr. Gilleran continued painting and drawing. His
award-winning artwork has been displayed in museums throughout the
Midwest.
"His artwork and teaching were a continual source of enjoyment,
satisfaction and pride," his wife said. "It was his life."
Two of his children followed in their father's footsteps. Daughter
Breon Gilleran is a sculptor and art teacher at Goucher College in
Towson, Md., while son Peter Gilleran teaches art at Osborn High
School in Detroit.
In addition to his wife, son and daughter, survivors include another
son, Michael; a sister; seven grandchildren, and many nieces and
nephews.
A memorial service is being planned.
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