Arthur Stenholm

Before Arthur Stenholm became Gottlieb's exclusive artist, he was working for Bally and Williams through his actual employer, Advertising Posters. His boss was George Molentin who was the Art Director and managed the print production for all the pinball companies. They were the only shop in town. The competing print shop, Reproduction Company, had burned for the 2nd and final time in the late '50s.
Gottlieb, had an exclusive contract with R.C. as they employed Roy Parker, whom Dave Gottlieb had chosen to be the company's artist. Parker had cranked out the art for all of Gottlieb's machines and other smaller shops working with Repro Co. for over 20 years. That was a lot of playfields and backglasses. After the 2nd fire Reproduction Co. did not recover and Gottlieb was forced to follow Parker over to Advertising Posters.

Art Stenholm came to be a commercial artist working for Advertising Posters in March of 1964, Roy had been working under George Molentin for more than 5 years. Art was handling all the Williams and Bally with an occasional collaboration on a Gottlieb game with Parker. It is speculated that Parker's failing health created a situation where the two artists worked together. Parker may have been training Stenholm as his heir to the Gottlieb artist throne. An example of this can be seen when you compare Cow Poke (by Roy Parker) with Buckaroo (claimed by Roy Parker but obviously done by Art Stenholm). There are many example of Art Stenholm's involvement in Roy Parker artwork such as World Fair, Kings and Queens, North Star and Central Park. It seemed they were conditioning Art to be Roy's replacement and also explains Arthur's assuming the position following Parker's death.

After Parker's legendary run of games Stenholm developed his own style and quickly became the new Gottlieb artist producing over 80 games in what is known as the 2nd Golden Age of pinball. His style is immediately recognizable and as stated elsewhere, he championed for women that were more self assure and capable rather than helpless glamour dolls.
He empowered women to play pinball by incorporating them right onto the artwork participating in sports, music and even playing pinball. Raising 2 daughters no doubt influenced his art and subject matter. Art passed away in 2007 at the age of 90. His legacy in the art of pinball will be long remembered.

He empowered women to play pinball by incorporating them right onto the artwork participating in sports, music and even playing pinball. Raising 2 daughters no doubt influenced his art and subject matter.
Art passed away in 2007 at the age of 90.