Art Clokey

Arthur "Art" Clokey (October 12, 1921 - January 8, 2010) was an innovative figure in the realm of stop motion clay animation. His journey began in 1955 with the creation of Gumbasia, a groundbreaking film influenced by his mentor, Slavko Vorkapich, during his studies at the University of Southern California.

From the Gumbasia project, Clokey and his wife Ruth crafted the beloved character Gumby, alongside his trusty horse, Pokey. These characters quickly became iconic, making their television debut on the Howdy Doody Show before starring in their own series, The Adventures of Gumby. Interest in Gumby surged again in the 1980s, thanks in part to a memorable parody by comedian Eddie Murphy on Saturday Night Live. The franchise experienced a revival in the 1990s with the release of Gumby: The Movie, further solidifying its place in pop culture.

In addition to Gumby, Clokey is well-known for creating the animated series Davey and Goliath, which was produced with funding from the Lutheran Church in America. This show, aimed at children, conveyed moral lessons through the adventures of a young boy and his talking dog. Art Clokey’s contributions to animation have left a lasting legacy, influencing generations and paving the way for future animators in the art of claymation.