John A. Kurtz began his education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in 1961 on a scholarship he received from the Park Ridge Art League.     In 1962, he joined the U.S. Navy and trained as a photographer.    

Following his career with the Navy, and throughout the late 60's, 70's and 80's, John's photography and paintings were exhibited in a number of different galleries in Chicago, including the Contemporary Art Workshop, Rockford Art Museum, Evanston Art Center and Artemesia Gallery.  John's paintings and sculpture have been exhibited at Strawdog Theatre and Steppenwolf  Theatre (by Anatomically Correct),  at Uncle Fun's "The Fun Show" and at August House Gallery, Chicago, IL.

John's illustration history is quite long and includes Libido Magazine, Oui Magazine, Playboy Magazine and Chicago Magazine.

John's painting also appears in Walt Disney Studios & Top Five Productions, Inc.'s motion picture, "High Fidelity."