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Alma Thomas with her work at the Whitney Museum of American Art / Archives of American Art

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Hello and welcome to another Tuesday Poetics here at dVerse Poet’s Pub! I’m Melissa from Mom With a Blog, inviting you to join in our colorful poetry prompt today, where we focus on the art of Alma Thomas. If this is your first time hearing about her, great!

Alma Woodsey Thomas was an African American teacher and artist, known for her abstract paintings. She was born in Columbus, Georgia, and later moved with her family to Washington, D.C. It was there that she attended Armstrong Technical High School and took her first art classes.

Thomas went on to further her education. She earned her teaching credentials and taught kindergarten. Later, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Fine Arts from Howard University in D.C. She was the first graduate of the university’s fine arts program and one of the first women in America to obtain a bachelor’s degree in fine art.

Thomas continued to study art and she taught art. She earned her MA in arts education from the Teachers College of Columbia University.

It wasn’t until she retired in 1960 that Thomas became a full-time professional artist. She employed various styles in her work; she is best known for the abstract works in which she utilizes vibrant color and rhythmic pattern. In 1972, she became the first Black woman to have her own exhibit in the Whitney Museum of American Art.

You may read more about Alma Thomas here.

Alma Thomas, The Eclipse (1970), acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Alma Thomas, Light Blue Nursery (1968), acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Alma Thomas, Arboretum Presents White Dogwood, (1972), acrylic on canvas, Smithsonian American Art Museum
Alma Thomas, Scarlet Sage Dancing a Whirling Dervish (1976), acrylic on canvas, Michael Rosenfeld Gallery, New York

“I’ve never bothered painting the ugly things in life. People struggling, having difficulty. You meet that when you go out, and then you have to come back and see the same thing hanging on the wall. No. I wanted something beautiful that you could sit down and look at. And then, the paintings change you.”

–– Alma Thomas, ca. 1977–78

With this idea in mind, I’d like you to choose one of her paintings in this post and write. Your poem does not need to be descriptive of the artwork but tell us what the work evokes for you. Please tell us in your post which painting you’ve chosen.

If you’re new, here is how to join us:

  • Write a poem in response to the prompt.
  • Enter your name and a link directly to the post containing your poem into Mr. Linky. Remember to check the box to accept use/privacy policy.
  • Read other poets’ work as they enter their links into Mr. Linky. Check back as more will be added.
  • Please link back to dVerse from your post.
  • Have a wonderful time!🎉

Mr. Linky will remain open until 3pm EST on Thursday, July 18, 2024.