Peter Gage Thompson

Peter Gage Thompson died on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at Lawrence Memorial Hospital with his daughters Sarah and Rachel at his side. He and his wife Judith, college sweethearts, were longtime residents of Lawrence, where Peter was an accomplished artist and educator. He taught for 40 years in the art department at the University of Kansas, eventually serving as Dean of the School of Fine Arts from 1986 until retiring in 1999. He was instrumental in the fundraising, planning and construction of three monumental buildings on the University of Kansas campus – the Art and Design Building (now called Chalmers Hall), the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, and the adjacent Bales Organ Recital Hall. Peter designed the exquisite stained glass windows in the Recital Hall, as well as the ornamental woodwork on the organ pipe shades, applying the Golden Section that informed so much of his work.

Peter was born on July 12, 1939, and grew up in New Haven, Conn. He went to James Hillhouse High School (Class of 1957) and then attended Middlebury College in Vermont for two years where he met the love of his life, Judith Johnson. Once an injury sidelined him from playing ice hockey his sophomore year, he decided to pursue his passion for art and transferred to Rhode Island School of Design. He was not foolish enough to let the girl get away though. They tied the knot shortly after her graduation from Middlebury on July 1, 1961, in her hometown of New Britain, Conn. Peter then earned his MFA at Yale University in 1965.

Next, Peter and Judith landed in what turned out to be their forever home, Lawrence, Kan., and Peter began his 40-year career as a professor and administrator at The University of Kansas. As Professor of Art, he taught painting and figure drawing from 1965 to 2005, and many colleagues and students alike became lifelong friends. In addition, he served as Chair of the Department of Painting and Sculpture from 1968 to 1975, Associate Dean of Fine Arts from 1975 to 1980, and Dean of Fine Arts from 1986 to 1999. He also had a thriving career as a fine artist, and his works have been acquired by, most notably, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, the American Academy and Institute of Arts and Letter, the Spencer Museum of Art, and numerous private collectors.

In 1999 Peter stepped down from his role as dean to focus his energy on caring for Judith, whose health was declining from Multiple Sclerosis, until her death in 2014. He began exploring more with his cameras at home, and digital photography became his new favorite medium. In 2011, Peter published Or Just After, a beautiful book of his photographs accompanied by excerpts from a favorite poem, “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” by Wallace Stevens. He also had exhibitions of his new photographs at the Lawrence Arts Center (2004) and the Cider Gallery (2015).

Peter was smart and engaging. He was wildly funny. He loved horses, classic cars and sport bikes. If you asked anyone to describe him in one word, the likely response would be “cool.” He was So Cool. He was not only a devoted dad but a beloved Granddaddy to his four granddaughters – Greta Fulkerson, Audrey Fulkerson, Amy Meiring and Emily Donovan. Peter rarely left the house once the Covid pandemic hit because of the significant risk due to his acute chronic lung disease. He spent his time drinking instant coffee – aka “crystals” – listening to classical music (favorite pianists Vladimir Horowitz and Glenn Gould, and prodigy violinist Chloe Chua), and playing Go on his iPad. He found particular joy in playing Wordle and being first to post his results in the family group chat (he would eagerly wait until midnight to tackle that day’s puzzle before going to bed). He was a master of the bathroom mirror selfie, often on display in his Facebook profile pics. Since he was no longer able to meet his besties out for their regular lunches, he enjoyed having friends over for a cup of “crystals” and conversation. In the past five years Rachel was able to intermittently live with him, and Sarah flew out regularly from Boston. He made a lasting impression on anyone who was lucky to know him and will be deeply missed.

In addition to Sarah Fulkerson (Lyle) of Wellesley, Mass., and Rachel Thompson of Lawrence, Peter is also survived by his sister, Linda Hanmer, and was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Margaret “Peggy” Stevens Thompson, his brother Leigh Thompson, and his wife Judith Johnson Thompson.

An informal gathering to share stories about Peter and celebrate his life will take place on Sunday, February 16, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Lawrence Arts Center’s “Studio A” located inside the 10th & Mass Studios, 1000 Massachusetts St, Suite D (entrance on 10th St).

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Spencer Museum of Art (through KU Endowment).