Joseph Morgan Henninger (May 15, 1906 – March 7, 1999) was an accomplished painter, sculptor and illustrator. Born in Elwood, Indiana, Henninger studied at the Herron Art Institute, as well as the National Academy of Design and later with Lucien Simon at the prestigious l’Ecole des Beaux Arts. Upon graduation, he returned to Indiana and set up a portrait studio, but shortly after went on to Chicgao. In 1934 Henninger moved to Arizona where he completed two murals for the Arizona State University as part of the Public Works of Art Project. These murals: “Spanish Influence in Arizona” and “Industrial Development in Arizona” are still on display today.
After relocating to Los Angeles, California, Henninger began his career as an illustrator, providing work for Vincent Korda, Selznick Studios, Walt Disney, United Artists, MGM and Columbia. During WWII, Henninger headed the Illustration Department of Lockheed Aircraft. Henninger’s drawings and paintings of aircraft are now included in the Air Force Academy Art Collection at the Pentagon. In 1933, Henninger began a long career teaching at the Art Center College of Design, where he instructed many notable artists. In 1953 Henninger became a founding member and the first president of the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles, and in 1965 Henninger became the President of the California Art Club.