Thelma Lynn Simmons

Note: Born in Benton, Louisiana in 1934, Thelma Lynn Simmons attended Louisiana Tech, Bossier Community College, the University of Houston and the Glassell Museum of Fine Arts School. Simmons raised three children in Haughton, Louisiana and was a full-time bus driver and substitute teacher in Bossier Parish; however, she also tended to her love of art by studying with artist Louis Sicard, Jr. Simmons moved to Houston, Texas from 1972 to 1982 where she received two certificates from The Museum of Fine Arts Houston. While residing there, she participated in several solo and group exhibitions, one of which traveled to New York City.

In 1985, she was invited to show some of her work in Paris, where she initially intended to spend only two weeks. Instead, she purchased a home and stayed for over two years. Simmons returned to Louisiana in 1988 where she taught art in Caddo Parish, Bossier Parish public schools, Centenary College, Louisiana State University Shreveport and Bossier Parish Community College. Bright, saturated colors typify Simmons’ works, and the expressive brushstrokes she employed provide a strong sense of movement. Her often-haunting subjects hint at the artist’s spiritual journey with a strong sense of narrative and arresting emotion.