Artist Andrew Thompson uses “stories shared by ancestors and recollections from childhood” to reconstruct the Mims community, Sweeny, Brazoria, and Hinkle’s Ferry. His vivid paintings capture buildings that no longer exist and the changing community. Locals will recognize many structures including the George Washington Carver School, William’s Grocery, and the Levi Jordan Plantation Site. Join us for a discussion of this artwork and the historical significance of Brazoria County with local artist Andrew L Thompson and site educators.
About the Painting
This painting depicts Remembering a Period in the 1950s and Early 1960s in the Mims Community of Brazoria County, Texas. It also illustrates connections to the neighboring communities of Brazoria, Hinkle Ferry, and Sweeney areas. The artwork aims to preserve the cultural heritage that embodies the values, beliefs, traditions, and lifestyle of the people in this region, which has been passed down through generations. The visual representations of structures and individuals are derived from stories shared by ancestors and my own recollections from childhood. Many of these structures no longer exist, leaving only memories. This piece invites viewers to reflect on the past while looking forward to a brighter future."
Artist Biography
Andrew L. Thompson is a visual artist whose fine arts career has evolved over forty years. Thompson earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the University of Texas at Arlington and later received a Graphic Communication Certificate from the Art Institute of Houston. He is a retired art educator in the Houston Independent School District.
Thompson has shown his work nationwide, including the Corcoran Gallery of Art in Washington, DC, Museum of African American Life and Culture in Dallas, Texas, Brazosport Art Museum in Lake Jackson, Texas, Blaffer Gallery in Houston, Texas, and the State Capitol of Texas in Austin, Texas. Andrew’s private collectors are many and scattered throughout the globe. Notably, his work is included in the African Diaspora Works for the Paul R. Jones Collection in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Pehl Collection in Eldersburg, Maryland
Andrew’s art images have ranged from realistic to abstract expressionistic paintings that depicts subject matter as Buffalo Soldiers, African scenes, women, families, musicians, visual jazz composition, cowboys, still life subjects and nature scenes. Many of Thompson’s current paintings have geometric shapes and vivid colors that come alive with the energetic syncopation and improvisation of this uniquely American music.
This event is presented as part of Texas America250, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence.