Special Collections : Recognizing Artist Soldiers
Courtesy of Georgia Museum of Art, Permanent Collections
“William J. Thompson is best known in Athens for creating the “Spirit of Athens” sculpture downtown in conjunction with the 1996 Olympic Games. He also made a memorial at Andersonville National Park, commissioned by the Georgia Natural Resources Commission to commemorate lost prisoners of all American wars. Born in Denver, Colorado, he taught at UGA’s art school from 1964 to 1983, where the sculpture studio is named in his honor. Thompson had originally intended to be a Catholic priest, and his strong faith showed up throughout his artistic career. He studied art at the Rhode Island School of Design, with an interruption in his studies to serve in the Army from 1946 to 1947.”
William J. Thompson (American, 1926 – 1995), “Angel,” 1963 (cast 2015). Bronze, 26 1/4 × 9 1/8 × 7 1/4 inches (sculpture and base). Georgia Museum of Art, University of Georgia; Gift of the estate of Claire E. Thompson. GMOA 2022.30.