Art Professor Lydia Thompson Awarded Travel Grant for Research in Ghana
Exploring Traditional Adobe Architecture and Cultural Art Forms
Lydia Thompson, a distinguished professor of art, has been honored with the prestigious Lighton International Artists Exchange Program award. This grant will support her research trip to Ghana, where she will study traditional adobe vernacular architecture and local art practices.
Research Focus: Sirigu Village and Afari Pottery Center
From June 22 to July 11, Thompson will immerse herself in Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, particularly examining the adobe homes in Sirigu Village. These structures are renowned for their vibrant exterior paintings, created by local women. Additionally, she will visit the Afari Pottery Center, where traditional pottery-making techniques are preserved.
Thompson plans to document her journey through photography, journaling, and video recordings. She will also deliver a public lecture at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, sharing insights from her research.
Artist Statement: Migration and Cultural Preservation
In her artist statement, Thompson explains, “My current work investigates migration and residual ancestral memories, exploring the spaces and places of human existence. Geographical landscapes shape communities and abodes, serving as reminders of cultural persistence and preservation.”
About the Lighton International Artists Exchange Program
The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program supports mid-career artists and arts professionals, fostering global collaboration. Its mission is to “make the world a smaller place by connecting artists across cultures, promoting lasting friendships and understanding.”
Future Residency and Artistic Development
Following her Ghana trip, Thompson will undertake an artist-in-residence program at Starworks in North Carolina in fall 2025. There, she will develop new ceramic works inspired by her Ghanaian research, experimenting with atmospheric kilns and innovative surface techniques.
Lydia Thompson’s Artistic Legacy
A mixed-media ceramic artist, Thompson’s work explores cultural narratives through sculpture and installation. Her accolades include grants and residencies in the U.S., Nigeria, Canada, and Denmark. Her pieces are held in private and public collections worldwide, including in New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy.