Former Providence Journal Staffers Showcase Diverse Artwork in "Post-Journalism" Exhibit

Thirteen retired photographers and artists from the Providence Journal come together to display paintings, photographs, drawings, and collages at a Providence gallery.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 4:39am

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A group of 13 former Providence Journal photographers and artists, who call themselves "Artistic Ex-Press", are hosting an art exhibit titled "Post-Journalism" at Ritual Spaces gallery in Providence. The exhibit features a diverse array of artwork including paintings, photographs, drawings, and collages, showcasing the creative talents of these individuals beyond their journalism careers. The opening reception is scheduled for February 5th, and the exhibit will run through March 1st.

Why it matters

This exhibit highlights the artistic talents of former Providence Journal staffers who have found new creative outlets after leaving the newspaper industry. It showcases how these individuals have transitioned from their journalism careers to pursue personal artistic styles and passions, offering a glimpse into their lives beyond the newsroom.

The details

The "Post-Journalism" exhibit features work from 13 former Providence Journal photographers and artists, including Frieda Squires, Gunnar Johnson, Denise Bass, Sandor Bodo, Ray Capobianco, Mick Cochran, Frank Gerardi, Kathy Hodge, Mary Beth Meehan, Tom Murphy, Gail Roderigues, Bob Selby, and Dave Weyerman. The artwork on display includes paintings, photographs, drawings, and collages, showcasing the diverse creative styles of the former journalists. Sandor Bodo, a retired Providence Journal photographer, has been working on a variety of art projects, including a documentary and large, close-up images of "distressed" pennies, which he will be displaying at the exhibit.

  • The "Post-Journalism" exhibit will open on February 5, 2026 with a reception from 5 to 9 p.m.
  • The exhibit will run through March 1, 2026.
  • The gallery, Ritual Spaces, is open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m.

The players

Frieda Squires

A former Providence Journal photographer who took up painting in 2002 when the newspaper switched to digital photography, and she lost the hands-on, artistic aspects of developing photographs in the darkroom.

Gunnar Johnson

A retired graphic designer and layout artist from the Providence Journal who helped organize the exhibit.

Sandor Bodo

A retired Providence Journal photographer who is helping organize the larger Providence show and has been working on a variety of art projects, including a documentary and large, close-up images of "distressed" pennies.

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What they’re saying

“It was just so much fun to see your pictures come up in the darkroom.”

— Frieda Squires, Former Providence Journal Photographer

“Everybody is doing something that's just a little bit different from everybody else. It's eclectic.”

— Gunnar Johnson, Retired Graphic Designer and Layout Artist

“We've had a relatively short amount of time to get this show together, but everybody is familiar with deadlines, which is not always the case with a bunch of artists.”

— Sandor Bodo, Retired Providence Journal Photographer

The takeaway

This exhibit showcases the diverse artistic talents of former Providence Journal staffers, highlighting how they have transitioned from their journalism careers to pursue personal creative passions and styles. It demonstrates the enduring creativity and adaptability of these individuals, even as the newspaper industry has evolved.