Smithsonian Voices

From the Smithsonian Museums

Gwen Manthey

Gwen Manthey is Paintings Conservator the Smithsonian American Art Museum in the Lunder Conservation Center. Her interests lie in practical treatment, technical imaging, and material analysis. She has published on the works of Richard Caton Woodville, Alma Thomas, and is researching alternative solid supports used in America.

Three Takes on Alma Thomas as an Artist, Civil Rights Advocate, and Lifelong Learner

What if the world was changing all around you and you could catch the most exciting, inspirational, and beautiful bits on canvas? While facing change and challenge, artist Alma Thomas found beauty all around. This article takes three views of her life and art to uncover surprising complexity in her vibrant paintings.