JMU alumna brings new life to Silver Lake Farm with expansive mural

A blank wall at Silver Lake Farm & Event Center in Dayton, Virginia, has become a vibrant work of art thanks to JMU alumna Laura Thompson (‘03, '08M).

Commissioned by owner Lewis M. Driver, the 65-foot mural celebrates the Shenandoah Valley’s agricultural heritage with farm scenes, antique tractors, and views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

Thompson, who earned both her BFA in Art and MA in Art Education at JMU, has quickly become one of the region’s most sought-after muralists. Her projects include works at White Oak Lavendar Farm on Cross Keys Road, Happy Hounds Doggie Day Care on Waterman Drive, and Tequila Modern Mexican Restaurant on John Wayland Highway.

School of Art, Design and Art History professor Susan Zurbrigg, who taught Thompson, remembers her early creativity and leadership: “She always had a creative openness for learning new techniques and approaches to content. She has such good leadership skills, and I’m so happy to see her progress as an artist and a teacher.”

Thompson, who also creates fine art, jewelry, and teaches community classes, says her decision to stay in Harrisonburg after graduation came naturally. “I just sort of planted my roots here after JMU and never left,” said Thompson.

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