Ghana, August 13, 2025
News Summary
Lydia Thompson, a mixed media artist and professor, received a $6,600 travel grant for her research in Ghana. Engaging with local artists, she studied traditional adobe architecture and pottery methods, emphasizing cultural collaboration in art. Her experience has inspired new methodologies and reinforced her connection to themes in her artwork related to the African-American experience. Thompson, recently named the 2025 North Carolina Fellow for Visual Arts, plans to incorporate her learnings into her upcoming projects.
Charlotte, NC – Lydia Thompson, a mixed media artist and ceramics professor at the University of North Carolina Charlotte, was awarded a $6,600 travel grant from The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program. This summer, Thompson’s grant allowed her to explore Ghana’s rich artistic heritage, focusing on traditional adobe architecture and indigenous pottery methods. The program aims to foster cultural collaboration among mid-career artists from various backgrounds, making her research essential in bridging communities through art.
During her three-week trip to Ghana, Thompson engaged with local artists, lectured at the prestigious Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, and visited several important cultural and historical landmarks. Her travels included learning the weaving of kente cloth at the Bonwire Kente Museum and engaging in batik, a traditional fabric printing technique, taught by artist Martha Rhule through a fair trade organization that empowers Ghanaian women. These experiences enriched her understanding of local artistic traditions and inspired new methodologies for her practice.
Thompson’s work often reflects themes related to the African-American experience, particularly concerning historical narratives like the transatlantic slave trade. Notably, she discovered a deteriorating adobe house in Ghana, which sparked deep reflections on family and struggle, issues that transcend culture and time. Her experience was punctuated by observing children’s drawings on the walls of homes, emphasizing the universality of childhood innocence.
As part of her sabbatical from teaching, which will last until January, Thompson aims to delve deeper into her research interests and studio work. She has previously spent nine months in Nigeria on a Fulbright-Hays grant 40 years ago, expressing a long-held desire to return to West Africa. This ongoing connection with the region informs much of her artwork, including a piece titled “House Beatings,” which addresses societal abuse and connects deeply with her family history.
Further enhancing her credentials, Thompson has been recognized as the 2025 North Carolina Fellow for Visual Arts by South Arts. This competitive award is given to one visual artist from each state among nine Southeastern states, and it includes a $5,000 prize. Her work is set to be featured in a touring exhibit beginning August 30, 2025, and she is also considered for the prestigious Southern Prize of $25,000 for excellence in visual arts.
In preparation for a residency at Starworks this fall, Thompson intends to experiment with the pottery techniques she learned in Ghana, which include sourcing clay from local streams and utilizing natural dyes. The skills and cultural insights gained during her travels will play a crucial role in informing her future works and creating dialogues with her audience. She believes strongly in the power of artwork as a means to connect communities and individuals across cultural divides.
Thompson’s experiences in Ghana have not only broadened her artistic perspectives but have also set the stage for a meaningful dialogue among artists and audiences. As she prepares to implement her learnings and conceptualize new projects, her focus remains on creating work that resonates with both personal narrative and universal themes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What program funded Lydia Thompson’s trip to Ghana?
The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program provided a $6,600 travel grant for her research.
What aspects of Ghanaian culture did Thompson study?
Thompson focused on traditional adobe architecture, indigenous pottery methods, and local artistic practices like kente cloth weaving and batik.
How does Thompson’s work relate to historical events?
Her artwork often explores themes connected to the African-American experience, including the transatlantic slave trade.
What recognition has Thompson recently received?
She has been named the 2025 North Carolina Fellow for Visual Arts by South Arts, which comes with a $5,000 award.
What is her upcoming residency at Starworks?
Thompson will experiment with techniques learned in Ghana during her residency at Starworks this fall.
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Grant Received | $6,600 from The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program |
| Duration of Visit | Three weeks in Ghana |
| Focus Areas | Adobe architecture, pottery, kente weaving, batik |
| Awards Received | 2025 North Carolina Fellow for Visual Arts, $5,000 |
| Upcoming Exhibitions | Touring exhibit starting August 30, 2025 |
| Future Plans | Residency at Starworks, experiment with new techniques |
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Additional Resources
- Charlotte Observer: Lydia Thompson Awarded Grant
- Axios: Upcoming Magic Show
- WCNC: Charlotte Arts Fest Returns
- MSN: Charlotte Arts Group NEA Funding Restored
- WSOC-TV: Charlotte City Council Funds Public Art
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