If you remember watching Gumby and his horse, Pokey on television you will recognize the Google doodle on October 12, 2011. The interactive stop motion display on the Google home page on Wednesday honors what would have been creator Art Clokey's 90th birthday. (watch the video, left)
Arthur 'Art' Clokey was born on October 12, 1921 and died on January 8, 2010 at the age of 88. Best known for his creation of Gumby, Clokey was a pioneer in the world of stop motion clay animation. Gumby was an extremely popular animated character on television and starred in 233 episodes on television from 1955 to 1989.
Gumby was inspired by a suggestion made by Clokey's wife, Ruth. She suggested that Clokey make a character based on the Gingerbread man. Wondering why was Gumby green? The jade green clay that Gumby is recognized for was picked because it was Art Clokey's favorite color.
Take a moment to look at today's Google doodle to honor Gumby creator Art Clokey in the video to the left or on the Google home page. It's a fun, interactive page that children and adults will love -- especially adults who remember the show from its early years.
The doodle features a block with the letter "G" followed by five balls of clay that represent the remaining letters of the logo. Click on the colored balls to make the Gumby characters appear including Gumby, Pokey, The Blockheads, Prickle and Goo.
For more about Gumby and Art Clokey, check out Gumbyworld.com.
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