“Alma Thomas was an artist and educator best known for her colorful abstract paintings. Born and raised in Columbus, GA., her family moved to Washington, D.C. when she was 15, seeking relief from the racial climate of the South. Thomas graduated from Howard University in 1924, becoming the first person to graduate from the newly-formed Department of Art. Though Thomas’s early artwork was realistic, her Howard professor James V. Herring and peer Lois Mailou Jones—both notable artists in their own right—encouraged her to experiment with abstract styles. Thomas taught art for 35 years and pursued painting in her free time. After retiring from teaching, Thomas developed her signature abstract style and debuted her first exhibition at Howard University at the age of 75. Her mosaic-like paintings translated art history, nature, and personal aesthetic in simple compositions influenced by the pointillism and abstract expressionism movements. Thomas was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American art. In 2015, 37 years after her death, Thomas’s piece “Resurrection” (1966) became the first piece of artwork by a Black woman to hang in a public space in the White House and enter the permanent collection.” – The Dig at Howard University
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I look forward to these every month. Thank you for introducing me to these artists and their work. So inspiring.
Thank you so much! Always nice to hear when this series is appreciated! Makes me happy to know that.
Thank you Jeanne for doing all the research to find interesting artists for us. I certainly would not find these artists on my own. You are so generous with your findings and knowledge. Thank you for that.
Thank you so much! So kind of you to take the time to let me know. I love that you are enjoying the series!
This is brilliant! Thank you for sharing this! Such fascinating art and artist. Will look forward to this series.
I am so happy you are enjoying the series! I love creating them.
It is so fun each month to see these amazing artists! So inspiring. Thank you so much for taking the time to share these with the rest of us! You are always inspiring me in so many different ways with your beautiful gift of art.
Thank you! What a truly kind comment!
Dear Jeanne, I discovered you last month and I am totally in love with everything you do! Thank you so much!
Dear Jeanne, I discovered you last month and I am totally in love with everything you do! Thank you so much!