About the Artist
Antionette Simmons Hodges: Celebrating African American Artistry
Antionette Simmons Hodges (1944) was born in Buffalo, NY, and grew up in the East Side neighborhood of Hamlin Park. Her journey into the world of art began in high school when she discovered her passion while taking a mandatory Advertising Art course at Bennett High School. Achieving an honorable mention in a maritime poster contest, she competed against two male students from vocational schools. This accomplishment gave her the confidence to pursue art school and become a commercial artist. However, her path took a different turn when she decided to attend West Virginia State College (now University), an HBCU, enrolling in a degree for elementary art education.
Early Life and Education: While at West Virginia State College, Antionette completed her studies with the guidance of her teacher and mentor, Dr. Della Taylor Hardman. She also developed a passion for abstract expressionism, influenced by her painting instructors, Ben Mahmoud and Paul Nuchims. After graduation, she settled in Washington, DC, and became an elementary art teacher at the District of Columbia Schools. While teaching, she earned an M.A. in Art Education from Trinity College in Washington, D.C.
Professional Journey: For many years, Antionette balanced her roles as a wife, mother, and educator, leaving little time for painting. However, as she approached retirement after thirty years of teaching, she decided to return to her love of painting. During her time away, she developed a new painting style that was less abstract and more structured, creating figures in a stylized flat form and using bold colors. Becoming a full-time artist, she created paintings reflecting her parents' Alabama roots and childhood memories, depicting positive images of rural country life, children, and family life from the fifties. This group of paintings, entitled "Yesteryears," became a self-promoting solo exhibition at Trinity College.
The success of her first solo exhibition at Trinity College was a turning point in Antionette's career. Encouraged by this triumph, she sent images of her paintings to the Ethnographic Card Company of Santa Barbara, CA, where she was invited to join their African American Card Collection.
Artistic Style and Themes: Today, Antionette's artwork features images of musicians, dancers, women, and families. She has expanded her artistic medium to include water-based oils, papers, fabrics, and acrylics. During the pandemic, she developed a new style of Continuous Line painting, bringing her art into the realm of modern abstract realism. Her pieces often feature positive themes, portraying the beauty, strength, and resilience of the African American community. Her work is characterized by bold colors, dynamic compositions, and a unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
Collections and Features: Antionette's work is part of several prestigious collections, including:
- The Art Bank Collection of The D.C. Commission of the Arts and Humanities
- The permanent art collection at the new Martha's Table, Inc. in SE Washington, DC
- The U.S. Federal Courthouse in Greenbelt, MD
- The Frank E Merriweather, Jr. Branch Library in Buffalo, New York
- The Sandy Spring Slave Museum in Sandy Spring, MD
Her art has also been featured as cover art for Maryland's Strathmore Magazine
In a college book on communication, and on the cover of a book by French professor/author Christine Dualé.
Additionally, her paintings are displayed monthly at the Art Barn at Wellspring Manor and Spa in Upper Marlboro, MD.
Membership and Affiliations: Antionette, who currently resides in Silver Spring, Maryland, is a dedicated artist and an active member of the Black Artists of D.C.,Women's Caucus for Art of Greater Washington, DC, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to her craft and strong connection to a vibrant artistic community.
Legacy and Vision: Antionette Simmons Hodges' legacy is one of creativity, passion, and cultural celebration. Through her art, she aims to inspire, educate, and connect people from all walks of life. Her future goals include collaborating with other African American artists and expanding her reach through various platforms.