Born in Ashe County in 1909, Florence Young Thomas (1909–2007) grew up in a world far removed from modern conveniences. With no electricity, limited roads, and transportation restricted to walking or horseback, life was defined by resilience and self-reliance. Small, tight-knit communities with their own church, general store, and school were essential. By 1933, the county boasted 80 schools, most staffed by a single teacher. Today, only five remain. Florence’s parents, earning their livelihood from the land, placed a strong emphasis on education for their eight children. Seeking better schooling opportunities, the family moved from Horse Creek to Creston and finally settled in Grassy Creek.

 

It was during high school that Florence discovered her passion for painting. She and a classmate created replicas of paintings on scraps of canvas, selling them for two dollars each. Despite numerous challenges, Florence’s determination to pursue her love for art endured throughout her life.

​

In 1928, she earned a scholarship after completing teacher training in Crossnore, NC, which allowed her to study at the Morris School of Design for Women in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, her formal education was cut short after 18 months due to illness, forcing her to return home. Later that year, she married Paul Thomas and embraced her roles as a farm wife and mother.

​

Undeterred by this setback, Florence continued to seek artistic growth, attending workshops from Florida to Maine. A particularly formative experience was her time studying under Carolyn Wyeth. For two decades, she conducted painting classes in her basement, empowering students from all walks of life, including grandmothers who fulfilled lifelong dreams of learning to paint.

​

After retiring in 1976, Florence co-founded the Blue Ridge Art Clan, a group that brought together teachers and speakers to nurture creativity and artistic expression. Her own artwork reflected the landscapes, people, and animals of her surroundings. Favoring simplicity, softness, and light, Florence’s distinctive style invited viewers into serene, uncluttered scenes. Drawing inspiration from Cézanne and Van Gogh, she developed a unique voice that celebrated the Appalachian mountains. Her work was exhibited widely across the eastern United States and prominently featured in the Grace Pickett Studio Guild of Connecticut’s prestigious traveling exhibition.

​

Florence passed away peacefully at home on March 30, 2007, at the age of 98. Her dream of an art school became a reality in 2008 when the Florence Thomas Art School held its first workshops. Today, the school continues to grow, offering diverse classes and exhibits in downtown West Jefferson. Florence’s enduring legacy lies in her commitment to fostering creativity, preserving Appalachian culture, and inspiring future generations through art.