Vintage illustrations

The exhibit features work done by Emile Trahan and Allen Johnson from the 1940s through the 1970s, and includes editorial cartoons, sports illustrations and other selected works. Both men worked for Rhode Island newspapers (Johnson for the Providence Journal in the '60s & '70s; Trahan for the Pawtuxet Valley Daily Times, which later became the Kent County Daily Times) and recorded -- via illustration -- most of the important events of the times. Johnson's editorial cartoons, for example, often covered the exploits of the Nixon administration; Trahan's sports illustrations included such notables as Babe Ruth.

Trahan, a Cranston resident, penned illustrations for many Rhode Island businesses, including Paramount Greeting Cards, US Army Map Service, and Herff-Jones. Trahan is a self-taught artist who now concentrates on figure and portrait drawing.

Johnson, too, has enjoyed a long career in commercial arts. In addition to his work at the Journal, Johnson has owned a commercial design studio, taught commercial and fine art, and worked as advertising director for a major RI agency. A 1947 graduate of RISD, Johnson is a member of the American Association of Editorial Cartoonists, and a Life Member of the Rhode Island Watercolor Society and Providence Art Club. He currently resides in Cranston and is a respected watercolorist.