FBWE Villagers are invited to attend a guided tour of the exhibit “Let This World Be Beautiful: Celebrating the Life and Art of Alma Thomas” at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library honoring the remarkable Washington, D.C. artist Alma W. Thomas.

“Known for using bright, expressive colors and abstract patterns, Thomas gained national recognition in the 1960s and 1970s. She was the first African American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in New York. In 2015, her painting "Resurrection" was selected for display in the White House, making her the first African American woman to achieve this distinction. 

Alma Thomas moved to the District in 1907. She became the first graduate of Howard University's Fine Arts Department in 1924. She later earned a master's degree in art education from Columbia University. After a long teaching career in D.C. Public Schools, Thomas focused on her painting career in retirement.

The title of the exhibition is taken from a speech by W.E.B. DuBois, whose ideas influenced Thomas as she pursued beauty in all aspects of her life and work. The exhibition explores Thomas’s life as an educator, producer, and painter in two parts.” (Martin Luther King Library).

In addition to this exhibit, "Teachers from DC Public Schools Inspired by Alma Thomas," will showcase the artistic talents of the next generation of District-based artist-educators. A juried show organized in partnership with DC Public Schools Arts Division will feature teachers currently employed by DC Public Schools whose work relates to Thomas' life or work.

Susan Haight, a Founding Member of the FBWE Village, Co-President of the DC Public Library Foundation, and an active docent, will lead the tour of both exhibits and provide background on Thomas' life and the importance of her work now and for generations to come.

 
Cost: MLK Library is free to all.