GIA celebrates Guyana month with community Batik Art project

Jan 21, 2026 News

(Kaieteur News) – In celebration of Guyana Month, Georgetown International Academy (GIA) is proud to host Guyanese visual artist Lisa Thompson for a school-wide community art project that highlights Guyanese culture, creativity, and student learning.

Throughout the month, students from both the Lower School and Upper School will collaborate on a large-scale batik fabric art project, guided by Thompson, whose work is known for its vibrant colors and deep connections to Guyana’s landscapes, people, and traditions, GIA said in a release.

Although Thompson is widely recognised for her recent work in pottery, she brings more than 20 years of experience across multiple art forms, including batik and textile dyeing. GIA selected batik for this project because of its strong storytelling tradition, hands-on process, and its ability to introduce students to an art form many have not previously experienced.

As part of the residency, students will create a series of large fabric banners inspired by themes that celebrate Guyana, including flora and fauna, birds, landmarks, food and markets, celebrations and traditions, and the people and cultures of Guyana.

Lower School students will participate in a modified batik process designed to be safe and developmentally appropriate, while still allowing meaningful interaction with a professional local artist.

MS/ HS students will explore traditional wax-resist batik, engaging in more advanced design and artistic decision-making.

The project emphasises creativity, cultural pride, and student voice, while also strengthening connections between the school and the wider Guyanese community. Lisa Thompson, born on the Essequibo Coast and based in Georgetown, is also a trained social worker who frequently uses art as a teaching and engagement tool in communities across Guyana. Her work draws inspiration from the country’s rich natural environment and vibrant cultural traditions, making her a fitting collaborator for GIA’s Guyana Month celebrations The completed batik banners will be displayed on campus as a visual celebration of Guyana told through the perspectives, ideas, and creativity of GIA students.

Georgetown International Academy is a private international school providing a quality education to students from pre-k3 through grade 12. For more information visit our website: giagy.com

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community Batik Art project, GIA, Guyana month, Lisa Thompson

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