African American Artist Series: Alma Thomas

Alma Thomas was an important figure in the Washington D.C. art scene but didn’t discover her signature style until later in life. Alma’s life started in Georgia in 1891. Thankfully, her family was able to leave the violently racist South and move to D.C. in 1907. Alma then goes on to become the first fine arts graduate from Harvard. After this, she becomes an art teacher at Shaw Junior High School. At the same time, she got her MA in art education from Columbia University and continues to study art at American University. Although she was already an important part of D.C. art, it wasn’t until after she retired from teaching in the 60s that she developed her signature style.

Alma Thomas

Alma also helped form one of the first black-owned art galleries and was part of the Little Paris Group of Artists and Howard University’s Gallery of Art.

“Delightful Song by Red Dahlia” by Alma Thomas

Check out this video for a deeper dive into Alma and her work.