How an UNC Charlotte Art Professor Drew Inspiration from North Carolina to Ghana

Exploring the Artistic Journey of Lydia Thompson

Charlotte’s vibrant arts scene continues to flourish, offering a rich tapestry of theater, music, movies, art, and museum experiences. For those eager to stay updated, the weekly “Inside Charlotte Arts” newsletter provides in-depth insights into the latest happenings in the Queen City. Subscribers can look forward to this content every Thursday.

Among the many artists contributing to Charlotte’s cultural landscape is Lydia Thompson, a mixed media artist and ceramics professor at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Her work often reflects a deep connection to community, history, and personal growth. Thompson views her artwork as an ongoing conversation—one that bridges cultures, generations, and even personal reflections.

This summer, that conversation expanded internationally when she received a $6,600 travel grant from The Lighton International Artists Exchange Program. Based in Kansas City, Missouri, the program supports mid-career artists by fostering cross-cultural collaboration. Thompson spent three weeks in Ghana, immersing herself in traditional adobe architecture and indigenous pottery methods. She also engaged with local artists, delivered lectures to students, and explored historical and cultural landmarks.

Her trip was not only about learning but also about finding inspiration. As she prepares for her upcoming role as an artist-in-residence at Starworks, an arts and educational nonprofit located about two hours northeast of Charlotte, Thompson is already thinking about how to incorporate what she learned in Ghana into her future projects.

In addition to her residency, Thompson has recently been named the 2025 North Carolina Fellow for Visual Arts by South Arts, a prestigious award recognizing one visual artist per state across nine Southeastern states. This honor comes with a $5,000 prize and the opportunity to showcase her work in a touring exhibit that will debut at KMAC Contemporary Art Museum in Louisville, Kentucky.

Thompson spoke about the significance of these opportunities, reflecting on her long-standing interest in African-American history and the transatlantic slave trade. During her time in Ghana, she visited sites of emotional importance, including the Cape Coast Castle—a UNESCO World Heritage Site where enslaved people were once held before being transported across the Atlantic. This experience deeply impacted her, prompting her to reflect on past works such as “House Beatings,” a series that explores themes of displacement and societal power structures.

Another highlight of her trip was learning batik, a traditional fabric printing technique, under the guidance of local artisans. This hands-on experience reminded her of the universal language of art, transcending verbal communication. Thompson emphasized how meaningful it was to be a student again, rather than an instructor or professor.

Looking ahead, Thompson is excited to experiment with new techniques at Starworks, where she will have access to a wood-burning kiln. She sees this as an opportunity to challenge herself creatively and push beyond familiar boundaries. As she continues to explore new ideas, she remains committed to using her art as a means of dialogue and understanding.

For those interested in staying connected to Charlotte's arts community, the “Inside Charlotte Arts” newsletter offers a wealth of information and updates. Whether through digital subscriptions or social media groups, there are plenty of ways to engage with the city’s dynamic cultural scene.