Invitation to Create: 3-D Art Inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas

 We invited our children to create vibrant 3-D art inspired by Alma Woodsey Thomas—an American artist and educator known for her joyful, colorful paintings influenced by pointillism and abstract expressionism. At age 80, she became the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

After reading A Blaze with Color: A Story of Painter Alma Thomas and Alma's Art, and exploring printed images of her artwork, we set out a large 3-D canvas to honor her legacy for #BlackHistoryMonth and inspire children to create boldly—just like Alma.

Using recycled boxes wrapped in butcher paper, children were invited to freely design all over the structure with stickers (large rectangle, small rectangle, square) inspired by the shapes and colors found in Alma’s art.

The beauty of collaborative collage is that it builds community, fosters cooperation, eliminates competition, and is wonderfully social. When children engage in #ProcessArt like this, they are free to explore, take creative ownership, and discover art in their own way.

Through this experience, children build confidence, strengthen cognitive and fine-motor skills, practice planning and problem-solving, and learn that there are many beautiful ways to create together.

Here are other ways to explore Alma Woodsey Thomas:

• Invitation to Create Alma Woodsey Thomas on the Light Table

• Three Ways to Explore Alma Woodsey Thomas

• Alma Woodsey Thomas Art 3 Ways

• Alma Woodsey Thomas Textured Water Color Art

• Alma Woodsey Thomas Loose Parts Play