Holen was an art professor at Augsburg University in Minneapolis, MN; in 2002, he became a Professor Emeritus. His pieces include the "Arbor Image," 12’ stainless steel, 2000, Richfield, MN; "Eternal Flame," bronze, 1995, for King Harald V, Norway; "Burning Bush," 12’ stainless steel, 1989, Augsburg University, Minneapolis, MN; and "Ceramic Vase with Seven Figures," 1987, for King Olav, Norway. His work is seen in books such as the NSS Celebrates the Figure by Jean Henry; Sculpture: Technique, Form, Content by Arthur Williams; and the Sculpture Reference by Arthur Williams. He received the Alumni Achievement Award from Concordia College, Moorhead, MN in 1985 and the 1990 Governor's Award on Technology to Assist Individuals with Disabilities. The Minnesota Historical Society has two of his terra-cotta pieces and two graphite drawings. The Weisman Art Museum, in Minneapolis, MN, has also acquired two of his stoneware sculptures.