The 2021 Salem High School Alumni Association’s Honored Alumnus, Larry A. Davis, is a 1969 graduate of Salem High School.

Larry has an artistic background that is extremely diversified. After graduating from SHS, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Youngstown State University with an emphasis in sculpture and photography. He pursued a Master of Fine Arts from California State University with the same two majors. His highly creative abilities were exemplified through his master’s thesis. He created unique “playable” sculptural drums made from exotic hardwoods and cast bronze, and then gave a drumming performance at his one-person master’s art show.

In later years while teaching at California State University and simultaneously creating art, he was presented with the opportunity to join the Walt Disney Company. After a 31-year (non-consecutive) career, Larry retired in 2016 from Walt Disney Imagineering as an Executive Producer and Creative Director. His final project was an impressive initiative as he was responsible for the design, development, and execution of the Main Entrance of Shanghai Disneyland.

Throughout his lengthy Disney career, Larry continued to create art and show his work in numerous galleries including locations in Los Angeles, New York City, Portland, and even closer to home in Youngstown. In his retirement, he maintains a studio in Los Angeles in the home he shares with his wife Maureen. Davis is currently working on a new series of sculptures entitled “Torn to Pieces”. He stays close with his Salem connections: his sister, Linda Davis Thomson, SHS Class of 1967, and her son, Michael Cosma, SHS Class of 1987.