Alma W. Thomas Ornament

• Product type: Holiday Ornament
• Shipping Weight: 0.13 lb (2.0 oz; 57 g)
• SKU010004489 | UPC: 5055057204357

Alma Woodsey Thomas (American, 1891 - 1978) was an African-American artist and teacher who lived and worked in Washington, D.C., and is now recognized as a major American painter of the 20th century. Thomas is best known for the "exuberant", colorful, abstract paintings that she created after her retirement from a 35-year career teaching art at Washington's Shaw Junior High School.

Thomas, who is often considered a member of the Washington Color School of artists but alternatively classified by some as an Expressionist, earned her teaching degree from University of the District of Columbia (known as Miner Normal School at the time) and was the first graduate of Howard University's Art department, and maintained connections to that university through her life. She achieved success as an African-American female artist despite the segregation and prejudice of her time.

Thomas's reputation has continued to grow since her death. Her paintings are displayed in notable museums and collections, and they have been the subject of several books and solo museum exhibitions. She was the subject of the Chrysler-curated exhibition, Alma W. Thomas: Everything Is Beautiful.

Based in the United Kingdom, St. Nicolas specializes in bespoke decorations for Christmas and other occasions. All decorations are handmade, and the time taken to make each one is reflected in their unique quality.

For over 25 years St. Nicolas has worked with a small charity in Thailand that helps disadvantaged rural women find work in their community, rather than being forced to leave home to work in a factory. Today, some 200 skilled women work at home sewing the decorations, and many of them have been doing so for more than 10 years. All of the historical figure decorations are made in this way as well as numerous other designs.

St. Nicolas is proud to be a member of BAFTS (British Association of Fair Trade Suppliers) and supports the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, as set out by the World Fair Trade Organization.

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Your purchase supports the mission and programs of the Chrysler Museum of Art (including the Perry Glass Studio, and the Moses Myers House). We couldn't do what we do without you. Thank you.