Celebrating Alma Thomas

This February, our Paulo Freire Center hosted a special event in honor of Black History Month celebrating the remarkable artist Alma Thomas, known for her distinctive abstract style and vibrant use of color. The occasion was filled with creativity, self-expression, and an appreciation for the rich legacy of this trailblazing artist. 

Born in 1891, Alma Thomas made history as the first African American woman to secure a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art in 1972. Alma’s distinctive abstract style is characterized by bold colors inspired by nature. 

Parents and children had the chance to explore their creative sides with chalk that dissolved into water paint. The highlight of the event was the crafting of self-portraits and symbols, allowing participants to delve into the essence of themselves and their families through art. 

Thank you to Studio Coordinator Adriana Rodriguez for her dedication and artistic vision which brought this event to life. The event was a resounding success, with families coming together to celebrate Black History Month and connect with each other through the universal language of art.  

We have slots available in several of our Early Education centers. Learn more at www.chicagocommons.org/enroll.⠀