Billie Clark

Billie Houtman Clark, age 78, died on Wednesday, December 21, 2011 after a long bout with cancer. A noted artist and sculptor, Billie created many bronze figures on display in Holland, including a life-size Dutch couple at Windows on the Waterfront on 6th street. Her works are also on display in private homes and gardens in Texas, Michigan, California and Hawaii. Three larger-than-life figures, built up in cement, can be seen at Emmaus Church at Lakeway, near Austin, Texas.

Born in Holland, Michigan, in 1933, Billie attended Holland High School, Hope College, the School of the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, and the University of Texas, in Austin. She spent many years of her life with her late husband, Pierre Caselli, in Austin. She was a founder of the Texas Society of Sculptors, serving as its president and in many other capacities. She was a founding secretary of the Austin Contemporary Visual Arts Association. While living for several years in El Paso, Texas, she was active in artistic and musical societies.

After moving back to Holland with her husband, John Clark, Billie rejoined the First Methodist Church of her youth. She became an active member of Holland Friends of Art, and exhibited in several of their shows, as well as those in Saugatuck. She was a member of HASP, Hope Academy of Senior Professionals.

Another of her interests was music, and she joined the Noteblenders Harmonica Band, which performed widely in churches and rest homes. Billie played with the group as a whole, and in special duets with Margaret Schamper.

Billie was preceded in death by her first husband, Pierre Caselli, the original and long-time manager of Lakeway in Austin, Texas, and by her beloved grandson, Pierre Dubov.

She is survived by her husband John Clark and her children: Alexandra Caselli of Los Angeles, Valery and Phillip Dubov of Austin, TX, Christopher and Colleen Caselli of Austin, TX; 3 grandchildren; step-children: Catherine Clark, Chris and Caroline Clark both of Austin, TX; 3 step-grandchildren; 2 step-great grandchildren; brothers and sisters: Mary van Tamelen of Los Altos Hills, CA, Joan and George Zuidema of Holland, Sally Shimp of Holland, Dan Houtman of Madison, WI, Ken and Diane Houtman of Holland.

A memorial service will be 11:00 AM, Friday, January 6, 2012 at First United Methodist Church 57 West 10th Street in Holland.

Reverend J. Lynn Pier-Fitzgerald will be officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Holland or to the First United Methodist Church of Holland, or to a charity of choice.

Arrangements are by Northwood Chapel – Dykstra Funeral Homes. Please visit www.dykstrafuneralhome.com to sign an on-line registry or to leave a memory.