Thomas Burt Allen (1928 – November 8, 2004) was an American painter and illustrator known for a moody and expressionist style that pushed the boundaries of commercial art in the 1950s and 60s.
[3] Another satisfied patron, S. Neil Fujita, an art director at CBS Records, gave Allen many assignments for their jazz catalog.
Being present at actual recording sessions with Jimmy Rushing allowed Allen to hone his observation skills and create work that was "more authentic."
Titles include In Coal Country by Judith Hendershot and Grandma's General Store: The Ark by Dorothy Carter.
At the University of Kansas, Hallmark Cards funded a teaching position that landed Mr. Allen at that campus.