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Alma Thomas became the first African-American woman to have her work added to the White House Collection when her painting "Resurrection" was unveiled during Black History Month in 2015. During the Obama administration, the painting was placed in the newly renovated Family Dining Room. The piece was later moved to the Vermeil Room during the Trump administration.
Thomas was born in Columbus, Georgia in 1891 and moved to Washington, D.C. in 1907, where she spent most of her career. She was an educator and artist whose work, including "Resurrection," was a part of the Washington Color School. The painting "Resurrection" is a brightly colored abstract piece completed in 1966.
This collection explores Alma Thomas' "Resurrection" and its significance in being added to the White House Collection.
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On October 14, 2016, First Lady Michelle Obama hosted a reception celebrating the recent renovation of the Old Family Dining Room, located on the State Floor of the White House. After welcoming her guests, Mrs. Obama delivered remarks about the space, including the addition of twentieth-century abstract artwork by diverse artists: As many of you know, the President and I, we are
Alma Thomas was born in Columbus, Georgia, September 22, 1891. Her family later moved to Washington, D.C., where in 1924 she became the first graduate of the new art department at Howard University. She spent thirty-five years teaching art to children in a Washington junior high school. During that time she earned a masters degree (1934) from Teachers College of Columbia University. In
The White House is more than just a home and office for the President of the United States, it is also a museum housing a large collection of art. As the nation has grown and changed, so has the White House Collection. Explore the White House Collection and its uniquely American stories from diverse and innovative artists.
Take a closer look at a newer addition to the art of the White House - "Resurrection" by Alma Thomas. In this short video, the WHHA Education Team explores the first artwork by an African-American woman to join the permanent White House Collection.
Today’s #WhiteHouseHistoryWeekly features the history and significance of Alma Thomas’ “Resurrection.” The White House Historical Association worked with First Lady Michelle Obama to acquire the beautiful painting. Alma Thomas is the first African American female to be represented in the White House Collection.