Did you know that a few years back Teachers College hosted a curated tour of alumna Alma Woodsey Thomas’ exhibition at Studio Museum in Harlem? Alma Thomas (September 22, 1891 – February 24, 1978) was an African-American Expressionist painter and art educator known for her colorful abstract paintings that were inspired by nature and moon landings. She received her MA from Teachers College in 1934; her thesis is entitled, The Marionette Show As a Correlating Activity In the Public Schools. After retiring as a school teacher at the age of 69, Thomas focused on her career as an artist, becoming an influential "colorist" who exhibited at prominent museums and galleries - The Whitney Museum of American Art, The Corcoran Gallery of Art, and The Smithsonian, among them. Based primarily in Washington, D.C. Alma Thomas drew national attention. Her painting "Resurrection" (1966), was purchased by the White House in 2014.

As we celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Harlem Renaissance and involvement by Teachers College alumna in the movement, we highlight articles about Alma Thomas drawn from Proquest Historical Newspapers, which informs and inspires classroom teaching and learning.

• Times Wide World Photo. (1931, Jun 02). Columbia University Will Hold 177th Annual Commencement Exercises Today. New York Times (1923-Current File)

• Anderson, H. (1938, Jun 25). Meet Your Neighbor. Afro-American (1893-1988)

• Mellow, J.R. (1972, Apr 29). Expert Abstractions By Alma Thomas. New York Times (1923-Current File)

• Terrell, A. (1972, Sep 09). That's Alma Thomas: Alma Thomas: Cheery Artist. The Washington Post, Times Herald (1959-1973)

• Richard, P. W (1978, Feb 25). Alma Thomas, 86, Dies; Washington Color Artist. The Washington Post (1974-Current File)

• Munro, E. (1979, Apr 15). The Late Springtime Of Alma Thomas: Conversations With The Washington Colorist, From An Absorbing New Book. The Washington Post (1974-Current File)

• Forgey, B. (1981, Dec 26). Alma Thomas' Odyssey In Art and Life: NMAA Honors Howard's First Fine Arts Graduate. The Washington Post (1974-Current File)

• Stevens, E. (1982, ). Alma Thomas's Works Convey Energy And Joy. The Sun (1837-1994)

• Glueck, G. (1983, Apr 29). Art: Studio Museum Exhibits Alma Thomas. New York Times (1923-Current File)

• Temin, C. (1986, Feb 27). Alma Thomas' Abstractions Rooted In Color. Boston Globe (1960-1988)

Tips:

• Try a TC Super Search using the keywords "Alma Thomas" to discover a range of interesting articles, books, chapters, dissertations and more held by the Gottesman Libraries.

• Or a CLIO search using the keywords "Alma Thomas" to discover additional materials held by Columbia University Libraries.

• Check out related special news displays in Everett Cafe, including James Wells, Zora Neale Hurston, Donaldson Byrd, and Marion Thompson Wright. Stay tuned for Creating a Better World: Teachers College Celebrates the Harlem Renaissance, a full program of offerings starting March 2nd!

Images:

• Snoopy Sees Earth Wrapped in Sunset, by Alma Thomas, 1970. Wikimedia Commons.
• Special News Slide, Courtesy of EdLab Studios

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Need to keep current, look to the past, teach a topic? The Everett Cafe features daily postings of news from around the world, and also promotes awareness of historical events from an educational context. Be sure to check the news postings on Learning at the Library, where you can delve into history.