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. Since the late '60's, John's photography, paintings and paper mache sculptures have been exhibited at various galleries in Chicago, including Zaks Gallery, University of Illinois-Chicago, DePaul University, Wood Street Gallery, Contemporary Art Workshop, Rockford Art Museum, Evanston Art Center and Artemesia Gallery. His work was shown in the 76th and 80th Chicago and Vinicity shows at the Art Institute of Chicago. He also shows his work in annual shows at his home studio.

Most recently, John's work has been exhibited at the Chicago Art Open 2000, the kite show at Ann Nathan Gallery, Strawdog Theatre, Northlight Theatre, August House Gallery, Lucky Horse Gallery and Uncle Fun's "The Fun Show." He is featured in Art Scene 2000, the recent publication showcasing Chicago's painters. John's illustration history is quite lengthy and includes Libido, Playboy and Chicago magazines.