WETA Arts explores the remarkable life and career of Alma Thomas, a black Washington-based artist whose works have garnered acclaim in major museums nationwide. From overcoming racial barriers to challenging the subordinate role assigned to women artists in the early 20th century, Alma Thomas's journey is a testament to resilience and artistic brilliance.
Born in Columbus, Georgia, in 1891, Thomas faced challenges in pursuing education and art in a segregated environment. Her family's relocation to Washington, D.C., in 1907 marked a pivotal moment, allowing her to enroll in Armstrong Manual Training School and later pursue her passion for art at Howard University. Thomas subsequently made an impact as an educator at Shaw Junior High School, where she not only taught art but also introduced students to Black artists, establishing the first art gallery in D.C. public schools. She also co-founded one of the nation's first commercial Black-owned art galleries, the Barnett-Aden Gallery, where diversity was celebrated.
In 1971, Alma Thomas achieved a groundbreaking milestone, becoming the first Black woman to have a solo show at the Whitney Museum in New York. Despite fading from view after her death in 1978, her legacy endures, with the largest public collection of her art housed at the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
ABOUT THE SHOW
This video is part of "WETA Arts," a monthly magazine-style program from WETA that celebrates the visual and performing arts in the Washington, DC area. Host Felicia Curry explores the DC arts scene and presents a variety of stories, profiles, and discussions, introducing emerging and established artists alike.
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