Barbara Holliday Obituary – Nevis Artist
Barbara Holliday, a prolific visual artist and captivating performer, passed away peacefully at her home in Los Angeles, California, on Saturday, May 18, 2024. She was surrounded by love, with her daughter, Sadie, by her side.
Barbara lived a life defined by creativity, courage, and fearless self-expression. Whether on stage, behind a canvas, or embarking on a new chapter in an unfamiliar place, she approached every experience with bold energy and an open heart.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Barbara Holliday was born on May 10, 1948, in Detroit, Michigan, to Evelyn Gelfund and Paul Holliday. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong creative spirit that would guide her throughout her life.
During her young adulthood, Barbara spent years on the road as a performer with the James Montgomery Band. At a time when the music industry offered few opportunities for outspoken women, she stood out as a powerful presence both on and off the stage.
Throughout her touring years, she shared stages with influential musicians of the era, gaining respect for her talent, confidence, and determination. These formative experiences shaped her artistic voice and reinforced her belief in living unapologetically.
Artistic Life in Nevis
In the 1980s, Barbara relocated to the island of Nevis in the West Indies, a move that marked a defining chapter in her artistic career. There, she established herself as one of the Caribbean’s most recognizable visual artists.
Her vibrant paintings captured the rhythm, color, and daily life of the island. Over time, her work became closely associated with Nevis itself, earning her recognition as the signature artist for the Four Seasons Resort, Nevis.
Barbara’s artwork continues to be cherished and can be found in private collections around the world. Her ability to translate place and emotion into color left a lasting imprint on all who encountered her work.
Motherhood and Return to the United States
In 1992, Barbara and Hartley Hobson welcomed their daughter, Sadie. Following Sadie’s birth, Barbara returned to the United States, where she opened an art gallery in North Adams, Massachusetts, known as West End Market.
In 1998, she settled in Brattleboro with Sadie and devoted herself wholeheartedly to motherhood. Barbara brought the same passion and enthusiasm that defined her artistic life into raising her daughter.
She was a constant source of encouragement and a fierce advocate throughout Sadie’s schooling, always present, engaged, and deeply supportive.
A Fearless New Beginning in Mexico
In 2018, true to her adventurous spirit, Barbara made the bold decision to move to La Manzanilla, a remote coastal village in La Huerta, Mexico. She made the move just two weeks before her 70th birthday to a place she had never visited and where she did not yet speak the language.
She embraced this new chapter with excitement and curiosity. In La Manzanilla, Barbara returned to performing music regularly, painted local landscapes, and formed meaningful friendships with residents and visitors from around the world.
The move reflected her lifelong belief that it is never too late to begin again.
Final Chapter and Lasting Legacy
In 2023, Barbara relocated to Los Angeles to stay with Sadie while undergoing chemotherapy. Throughout her treatment, she maintained her trademark optimism and creative drive.
She continued painting from home and delighted in exploring Jewish delis across the city. Barbara was grateful to spend one final Mother’s Day and birthday surrounded by loved ones, sharing coconut cake with Sadie and her son-in-law, Willy.
Barbara Holliday will be remembered for her fearless creativity, her devotion as a mother, and her ability to find beauty and connection wherever she went. Her art, music, and spirit live on through the many lives she touched.
Celebration of Life
Those who would like to receive updates regarding plans for a celebration of Barbara’s life are invited to contact Sadie by email. – [email protected]