Art Stenholm

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.