Lou Erickson ("Eric") – The South’s Gentle Satirist

Lou Erickson, known to newspaper readers simply as Eric, was one of those quiet Southern voices that spoke volumes with just a few strokes of his pen. Born in 1913, Erickson came up in a time when newspapers were king and a cartoon could make or break your morning coffee. He joined the Atlanta Journal back in 1950, first working in the advertising department. But it wasn’t long before folks noticed that he had more to say than just pitching soap and shoes. By 1961, Lou had landed a spot as the Atlanta Journal’s editorial page cartoonist, and he held onto that post with grace and grit until his retirement in 1982. For over two decades, his cartoons ran daily, offering readers a soft-spoken, often sly take on Georgia politics, national news, and everyday life in the South. Erickson's style wasn’t loud or mean—he had a gentle hand and a dry wit, like a front-porch storyteller who could poke fun at the powerful without ever raising his voice. His work wasn’t just funny—it was thoughtful, crafted with care, and rich with local flavor. Accomplishments & Recognition Published Author: In 1967, he released This is Maddox Country, a satirical cartoon collection about the colorful and controversial Georgia Governor Lester Maddox. Award Winner: He won the Sigma Delta Chi Award for excellence in journalism in 1964, and the Freedom Foundation's George Washington Honor Medal in 1967 for patriotic public service through his art. International Recognition: His cartoons were featured in Expo 67's International Salon of Cartoons in Montreal, showing the world that Southern wit could hold its own on the global stage. Educator Through Art: He worked with groups like the Atlanta Traffic and Safety Council, drawing comics to teach driver safety—because even his jokes could save lives. Legacy Today, Erickson’s work is preserved in places like the Syracuse University Archives, and his rare books and original drawings pop up in collectors' circles and secondhand shops for folks who know what they’re looking for. Lou Erickson may not have shouted from the rooftops, but he sure knew how to make a point—with kindness, cleverness, and a good bit of Georgia charm. His cartoons still speak to a time when wit, wisdom, and a warm chuckle could shine a little light on even the stormiest news.

There are 90 Pieces of Art In This Gallery.     1 through 18 shown.

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There are 90 Pieces of Art In This Gallery.     1 through 18 shown.

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