Alma Thomas, an African-American art teacher in Washington, D.C., is among the giants who discovered their passion after their retirement. She taught art for three decades but never considered painting a career to pursue till she left the classroom. She found inspiration in abstract themes and the natural settings around her.
At the age of 81, she became the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1972.
She also became the first Black woman whose art found itself in the White House art collection. Her work “Resurrection” piqued the interest of the Obamas who selected it among the priceless collections of the White House.
One of her art pieces in 2019 sold for $2.6 million at Christie’s. Here are other facts you need to know about Thomas:
