Studying artist Alma Woodsey Thomas during African-American History Month brightened the evening for Tara Brown and her two groups of up-and-coming children’s artists Tuesday at the Margaret Harwell Art Museum annex.
“For Black History we’re going to study Alma Thomas, who was an African American artist and a teacher,” Brown said. “She lived in Washington, D.C. She was born in 1891, which was a time when neither women nor African Americans were really recognized as artists, especially not famous artists. So it really (empowers) the kids to see her artwork.”
Thomas emerged as an exuberant colorist, abstracting shapes and patterns from the trees and flowers around her. She is recognized as a major American painter of the 20th century.
Thomas “loved color, and did a lot of vibrant mosaic type painting,” Brown said.
Students did art inspired by Thomas, with lots of rhythm and repetition.
Another reason Brown chose Thomas “was one of her sayings is that ‘culture is sensitivity to beauty.’ Another was ‘if everyone were cultured, we’d have no wars or disturbances. There would be peace in the world.’ That’s Alma Thomas.”
Brown also likes Thomas’ quote “Earth without art is just EH.”
“She lived to be 86,” Brown said. “I don’t even know what all she had to overcome to become an artist at that time period.
“The students I have in class, they truly love art. They’re truly interested in it and I can see them becoming artists later in life. They’re up and coming artists. So I’m just excited to see what they do with their art careers.”
“Some people believe you either are artistic or you’re not artistic,” Brown said. “But, I like to say if a ballplayer never went to a ball practice, they really wouldn’t be that good in a game. I believe that.”
Brown has lived in Poplar Bluff about 10 years. After college, she taught several years in the public schools
She’s been teaching classes at the museum for two years and she also holds a children’s art camp at the museum. She painted the murals located around town.
Brown has started a scholarship program for students who couldn’t afford to attend.
“It’s in honor of Black History Month. I’m not saying that it has to be one child or another going into the program, but it’s in honor of Black History Month. It is for those who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity. I’ve had three businesses that have paid the $95 for three new students to come in, which I think is super neat to just have the community supporting the arts,” she said.
Those businesses are Money Miser, It’s Your Hair and Integrity Design.
Anyone who would like to sponsor a scholarship or who has a child who wants to attend the class, may contact Brown through the museum.
The enrollment fee pays for seven weeks of classes, and includes all the supplies. Classes are at 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. each Tuesday. Anyone may attend, Thomas said.