Henrickson inspired others’ creativity

I was deeply saddened to learn of the recent passing of longtime Des Plaines resident and Daily Herald cartoonist Art Henrikson, who contributed so many cartoons to the Herald and other newspapers over the years. I was fortunate to have an opportunity to learn about cartooning under Art’s direction as a young teenager — one of several Saturday morning students around a table in the basement of his Meyer Court home. There, I learned many of the basics and foundations of cartooning, layout, style and composition that would serve me well years later as the owner of my own PR, marketing and graphic design business.

Art was one of the old-school classic cartoonists who was skilled in illustrating in pen and ink what many could not express in words alone. Outside of my own family, Art had perhaps the most positive and constructive impact on my creative life than anyone. My gratitude for his contribution is matched only by my sadness at his passing. He will be missed on many levels.

Richard Ornberg

Ixonia, Wis.

Former Des Plaines resident