22 January 3 • 2019
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I
n the middle of a hectic 1970s day while
attending Wayne State University Law School,
Robert Jacobs decided he needed a break, and
the nearby Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) came to
mind.
Sure enough, the paintings and sculptures —
classical and contemporary — briefly diverted his
attention into an impressive realm.
His appreciation for art had evolved
through visits to many museums
during worldwide travels, and he
regularly returned to explore DIA
holdings in more depth.
Jacobs’
interest in the DIA collec-
tion and operations deepened after
graduation as he entered the area
workforce. Taking on management
responsibilities in the family-acquired
business, Buddy’
s Pizza (see sidebar),
Jacobs also became active in DIA gov-
ernance. He served on various committees and
now is a member of the board of directors.
Jacobs’
wife, Katherine, a clinical psychologist,
shares his interest in art and visiting art centers
while traveling. The couple, who
met through a yoga and meditation
teacher, expanded their knowledge of
Asian cultures while spending time in
Eastern countries, where they became
familiar with the distinctive forms of
artistry.
The two decided to gift pieces and
funding to the DIA so others could
experience what means so much to
them, and their gestures prompted DIA
administrators to name a newly reno-
vated building section in their honor.
The Robert and Katherine Jacobs Asian Wing,
just opened in November, displays objects and
themes that represent diverse art forms, cultural
practices and systems of belief spanning thousands
of years. Individual galleries divide up Japanese,
Chinese, Korean, Indian and Southeast Asian art
with an additional space that focuses on Buddhist
art across Asia.
“Because I was born in Detroit and
lived in the Dexter-Davison area until
I was 11, my feelings for the city are
very, very strong,
” says Jacobs, whose
position as Buddy’
s CEO spanned
25 years. “This gift is a way of giving
back and trying to improve the qual-
ity of life for Metro Detroiters and
travelers.
“
As someone in the restaurant busi-
ness who watches operations, I con-
tinue to notice how DIA staff members
and volunteers are very welcoming and go out of
their way to be inclusive to all kinds of individuals
and groups.
“I respect the leadership and the direction
art
arts&life
Distinctive
Artistry
Explore a dramatic new wing for
Asian art and culture at the DIA named
for Robert and Katherine Jacobs.
SUZANNE CHESSLER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Shakyamuni as an
Ascetic, late 1200s–
early 1300s, China.
wood, lacquer, gold,
paint.
RIGHT: Krishna Prepares
for Radha’
s Visit (page
from the Gita Govinda),
late 1600s–1714, India
(Mewar, Rajasthan),
opaque watercolor, ink
and gold on paper.
FAR RIGHT: Vishnu, 900s,
India (Madhya Pradesh),
sandstone.
Katherine and Robert Jacobs
ALL PHOTOS COURTESY DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS