John Mabry (Design 75) was mentored during his first year at CalArts in Valencia by the German artist Stephan von Huene, whose work focused on animatronics and sculptural forms. While at school, Marby’s multidisciplinary work spanned performance events, inflatable sculptures, board game design, graphic design, and photography.

After graduating from CalArts, Mabry expanded his artistic practice across various fields, working as a film technician and optical printer for MGM and other studios. He also designed sculptural forms for home furnishings and for amusement parks including Disneyland and Knott’s Berry Farm, and international retailers such as Harrods in London and boutiques throughout Asia and Australia. Later, Mabry transitioned to public administration, spending nearly 15 years as a planning illustrator for the city of South Gate’s Community Development Department. There, he created architectural and graphic designs—including the City of South Gate logo—and built 3D models for major projects like the Towne Center shopping mall. He retired at age 59 as an Urban Planner specializing in urban design and master planning.

Today, Mabry enjoys creating artwork in his home studio in Redondo Beach, CA He fondly recalls his time at CalArts, especially his orientation at the Villa Cabrini campus in 1969 and the moment he learned he had been awarded a scholarship to attend school. Nearly 60 years later, he remains grateful for the profound impact those experiences and relationships had on his life and career.

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