3 september 1968 & alma thomas: recent paintings solo exhibition @franz bader gallery
#OTD 3 September 1968 Alma Thomas attended the preview for her solo exhibition, Recent Paintings, at the Franz Bader Gallery (2124 Pennsylvania Ave, NW). The above poster, and invitations, informed art lovers that they were "cordially invited to meet the artist at a preview" on Tuesday 3 September from 5pm-7pm. The exhibit could also be viewed on Tuesday through Saturday, 10am to 6pm.
The blurb on the poster reads:
"Alma Thomas is remarkable. She has not only accepted the basic principles of modern abstract painting but she has found in them a source of expression for her delight in nature. Although she has been painting for years, she is supremely young and individual in her work which reflects freshness of vision and real insight into the world around her." James Harithas, Director of the Corcoran Gallery of Art
One of the paintings Thomas exhibited was "Burst of Fall." Shirley Almon wrote a letter to Thomas on 13 October 1968 indicating that she had purchased the painting and how much she and her spouse, Clopper Almon, Jr., enjoyed having it hang in their living room.
Thomas was 74 years old.
Your comments are welcome below. Did you, family members or neighbors attend the preview? Did you attend the exhibition? Did you purchase one of the paintings or watercolors? Did you know Alma Thomas? Did you know Franz Bader? What do you remember about the gallery? Do you have photographs, posters, invitations and other material from the exhibition? You may comment privately here.
Photo source: Smithsonian Archives of American Art, Alma Thomas Papers, Series 4: Exhibition Files, 1951-2000, Box 2, Folder 45, Alma Thomas: Recent Paintings (1968), Franz Bader Gallery, 1968. The Alma Thomas Papers have been digitized. Check out the collection online with the above link. The poster was designed, typeset and printed by designer Hubert Leckie, 1346 Connecticut Ave, NW.
