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John Randall Henry was born November 4, 1945 in East Cleveland, Ohio. He died March 4, 2016 in his Fort Gratiot home at the age of 70.
Mr. Henry held master degrees in Psychology & Art and Graphic Design, from Antloch College and Norwich University respectively. John began his teaching career in 1968 at the University of Dayton. He moved on to Eastern Washington State University, Virginia Commonwealth University, La Roche College, and Coopers School of Art before landing at St. Clair County Community College (SC4) in 1979. He retired from SC4 in 2013.
He taught art and graphic design at the college and university level for 45 years and loved every minute in the classroom. But he didn't leave his love for art just in the classroom he also developed Internet Classes, participated in Summer Youth Programs, taught over 20 Gifted & Talented Classes, did workshops for industries through Continuing Education and supervised student teachers for the University of Michigan Flint.
John brought art to the community as well. He is Co-Originator of the Cardboard Board Regatta, he participated in Festival of Trees as a designer, and painted several murals through out the city of Port Huron, including a multimedia installation at the Fort Gratiot Secretary of State. He was a Board Member of the Museum of Arts & History, and on the planning commission of Art in the Street. John was also a Co-Organizer for many Ice Fests in Port Huron.
Charity work was very important to John and it showed with his involvement in several organizations on both sides of the border. In Port Huron he worked with the United Way, Port Huron Garden Club, the Pathway Shelter, the Port Huron Museum of Art & History and the St. Clair County Girl Scouts. On the Canadian side he worked with Big Sisters of Sarnia, where he raised over $20,000--one of his proudest achievements, Big Brothers of Sarnia and Canadian Mental Health. He also donated his time to the planning committee for Federal Arts Network for Development.
He was a member of the National Art Education Association, Design Communication Association, and the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations. John was a speaker and presenter and shared his knowledge at several conferences for the National Art Association, the Federal Arts Network Development, Trends, National Marketing and Public Relation at both Regional and National Conferences and the Communication Design Association.
John was a very accomplished artist and graphic designer receiving several awards for his work. He had 10 Regional Graphic Design Awards and 13 National Graphic Design Awards. He also received recognition in 1997, 1998, 2000, and 2001 by the National Council for Marketing & Public Relations. He has exhibited both nationally and internationally in 25 one-man shows.
SC4 houses many of John Henry’s works including paintings, sculptures and prints. He left many examples of his love for the creative arts for future generations to enjoy. John's incredible talent and love of art was not just something he did, but who he was.
John Henry’s School of Fish was created from pieces of the original fountain that was housed in the College Center.
