April 16, 2025 ̶ ̶ For as long as she can remember, Lisa Williamson has had a passion for two things: water and art. Over the course of her personal and professional life, most recently at the University of Memphis, she’s found meaningful ways to merge the two. After earning her Master of Fine Arts from Memphis College of Art in 2015, she pursued residencies in tropical locations like Puerto Rico. Though she didn’t grow up a strong swimmer, she later discovered a love for open water swimming.
“That was another way to be in the water and practice my art,” Williamson said. “I’m snorkeling and trying to stay in place, drawing coral reefs and aquatic life. I most recently was watching an octopus, following it underwater for a bit.”
Williamson joined the University of Memphis in 2017 and is currently an assistant professor of practice, foundations in the Department of Art and Design within the College of Communication and Fine Arts (CCFA). Today, she sets off on a more research-driven approach to her dual passions, boarding a ship to participate in the Arctic Circle Expedition Residency near Svalbard, Norway, no snorkels needed.
Joining 28 others from across the world—scientists, architects, educators, and artists— Williamson will spend two weeks aboard an arctic class schooner, sailing in 24/7 daylight–midnight sun–halfway between the northern coast of Norway and the North Pole. Since being accepted into this residency, Williamson has immersed herself in research, documentaries and even podcasts to prepare for the region’s extreme climate and better understand how Arctic changes affect regions like the Mid-South.
“Thinking about how fast water is melting, what that’s doing to the rising oceans, the super cells of storms that are being formed now and what happens to our coastlines as a result; even how it affects the Mississippi River,” Williamson said. “When we experienced a drought a few years ago, that’s directly linked to what’s happening in the Arctic Circle.”
With no internet or cell service during the expedition, Williamson is looking forward to a rare opportunity: uninterrupted time to reflect, create and explore. She plans to share her work and insights with her community upon returning.
She said, “The first thing that I’m going to do is immediately host an open studio where I will invite the public and, more specifically, my students.”
The Arctic Circle Expedition Residency was established in 2009, created to bring together international scholars for collaborative exploration of the region. Williamson’s exploration will run from April 16-May 2, and for her it will be more than an adventure. It will be a chance to translate scientific urgency into artistic expression, using her voice to help others see and feel the rapidly changing world around them.
Media Contact:
Parker King, Assistant Director
University Media and Public Relations
University of Memphis
(O) 901.678.4822
