Alma Thomas

“Alma Woodsey Thomas (September 22, 1891 – February 24, 1978) was an African-American artist and teacher who lived and worked in Washington, D.C., and is now recognized as a major American painter of the 20th century. Thomas is best known for the “exuberant”, colorful, abstract paintings that she created after her retirement from a 35-year career teaching art at Washington’s Shaw Junior High School.

Thomas, who is often considered a member of the Washington Color School of artists but alternatively classified by some as an Expressionist, she earned her teaching degree from University of the District of Columbia (known as Miner Normal School at the time) and was the first graduate of Howard University’s Art department, and maintained connections to that university through her life. She achieved success as an African-American female artist despite the segregation and prejudice of her time.”

“Alma Thomas.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alma_Thomas. Accessed 24 Oct. 2021.

Thomas, Alma. The Eclipse,
1970, acrylic on canvas,
Smithsonian American Art Museum

Alma Thomas: Your New Favorite Artist,
National Museum of Art
Pages from Beneath the Holly Tree: The Story of Alma Thomas, Illustrated by Lauren Lamb, Smithsonian American Art Museum

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