By Isabella Schultz
NKyTribune staff writer
When thinking of one of Thomas More University’s most inspirational alumni, a local doctor or business owner might come to mind. However, painting in plain sight all over the Greater Cincinnati area is artist and creator Michael Thompson.
Creating art his whole life, Thompson’s journey from being unsure about where his art would take him to now creating a mural for the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center has been quite encouraging.
From a young age, the Richmond native and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree had always had an artistic mindset. In addition, he had an appreciation for his environment from always being outdoors, painting, and writing.
During his time as an undergraduate at Thomas More University, Thompson started as an International Studies major, as he still did not know what it truly meant to be an artist.
However, he quickly switched to a Creative Writing major with a Fine Arts and Spanish minor, as he wanted to pursue a profession where he could bet on himself and the creations he could make.
Right after graduation in the summer of 2021, Thompson was hired to oversee apprentices at the nonprofit, 1001 Colors.
He knew that this opportunity would be a great way to kickstart his own art career while also engaging with fellow young artists, as he went to every possible event in order to network.
From there, he went on to create a 700-foot mural with 1001 Colors, Christian Dallas, and Thomas Osario at the CVG airport entitled “All Along the Control Tower.”
Because of all the creative pieces Thompson helped with during his time with 1001 Colors, one of Thompson’s first personal projects was created by a grant given to him by 1001 Colors. This collection of artwork, entitled “Sanctuaries,” is a series of paintings exploring the relationship between a person and their personal space.
“Something I was really interested in was researching the artistic ecosystem,” said Thompson.
Over the years he has created several public projects and exhibitions, such as his piece, “Murmurations”, which is in the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, and he even assisted with writing a book of creative works, entitled “Tributaria”. Most recently, however, he created a mural at Thomas More University’s Biology Field Station.
Thomas More University Biology
Field Station (Photo by Isabella Schultz)
This mural at his alma mater represents how art and science are intertwined.
For Thompson, Thomas More University holds a special place in his heart, so being able to create a mural for them was very valuable to him.
“I get to be at a place I really love and have that creative autonomy,” said Thompson.
The grand opening of the mural is on July 25th, from 3-9 p.m. During the grand opening, the university will also be hosting a concert, “Raisin’ Hellbenders on the River: Concert for Conservation”, which will feature live music, lab tours, food trucks, and much more. These events will be taking place at the Thomas More University Biology Field Station.
Thompson desires for more young artists to follow their dreams as he did. He knows that the path to mastering one’s art will never be easy, but that “it feels like magic,” said Thompson.
“Having a career in the arts is like going to an internship; it won’t look like your peers. Be resourceful in how you’re constructing your creativity,” said Thompson.
For more information about Michael Thompson and his artwork, visit his website or his Instagram account at @michaelthompsonstudios.
To watch his TEDx Talk about Creative Empathy & The Power of Truth Through Art, click here for You Tube.