Art Stenholm
Art Stenholm was a prolific pinball artist active primarily during the 1960s and early 1970s, creating over 80 backglass and playfield designs for major manufacturers like Gottlieb, Williams, and Bally. After starting at Advertising Posters Co. in Chicago—where he learned from celebrated artists Roy Parker and George Molentin—he took over many of Gottlieb’s art projects following Parker’s death in 1965. Though never employed directly by a pinball company, Stenholm’s work shaped the visual identity of numerous electromechanical titles, including classics like King of Diamonds, Fun Land, and Crescendo. His art style combined bright colors, dynamic scenes, and an inclusive portrayal of both men and women, helping to define the era’s vibrant aesthetic and attract players from across the arcade floor.
A hallmark of Stenholm’s approach was his close collaboration with game designers. He aligned his illustrations with each machine’s theme—be it boxing, carnival amusements, or racing—and often adapted his style to new gimmicks such as animated backglasses. By depicting women as active participants rather than passive observers, he pushed pinball art toward a more inclusive direction. His designs were also technically clever: strategic use of transparency and layered silkscreen printing allowed certain sections of the backglass to light up or animate in tandem with the game’s features.
Today, Stenholm’s legacy is preserved in museum exhibits and collector circles, and his signature works remain in high demand among pinball enthusiasts. Posthumously honored by the Pinball Expo Hall of Fame, he is recognized as one of the industry’s great golden-age artists. His art continues to influence modern pinball design, underscoring the essential role that high-quality, thematically resonant artwork has played—and still plays—in the enduring appeal of pinball.
