The following was compiled from a recent email interview between Trish Nixon and Sabatini Gallery volunteer, Laura Dalrymple. Photographs courtesy of Laura Dalrymple. 

Laura Dalrymple volunteers her time at the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery and we just love her! Laura attended The University of Ghana in West Africa during the 1990-91 academic year to study art. The University is located in Legon in the Greater Accra region. Laura Dalrymple is currently teaching at Allen County Community College in Burlingame where she is teaching Art Appreciation, Design and Photography courses.

Trish Nixon: What was life like for you in Ghana?

Laura Dalrymple: Ghana was a complete surprise. Prior to going to the University of Ghana, I had studied African art for two years, and was a senior at the University of California, San Diego. Because of this, I had the opportunity to participate in an Education Abroad Program between the University of California and the University of Ghana. The professors at the University of Ghana were some of the most educated professors I ever had.

I lived on the third floor of Volta Hall, one of the only woman's dormitories at the university. In the dorm, water—or lack of—was a major issue. There were many days when there was no water on our floor. I had to use water that I had saved in buckets or go downstairs, fill a bucket and then carry it up to my third floor.  My drinking water was from the same bucket as my bathing and cooking water. When taking a shower, I used one bucket of water. During the first two weeks I was told I may get sick as my body would need to adjust to the water. The only time I could not drink the water was when cholera broke out at the university, killing one student. Prior to going to Ghana my only view of the university was a one-inch square photo of the general which had designed and constructed in an Asian style. So, being there was a real surprise.

TN: How did your formal education at the University of Ghana prepare you for life back in the states?

LD: The year in Ghana helped me understand that people are the same all over the world.

TN: Any memorable moments you would like to share?

LD: During the school year, female faculty and students were invited to participate in a 5k cross-country race on the campus of the University of Ghana. I signed up for the run and was the oldest person participating. When the run started at two in the afternoon, everyone took off as fast as they could, leaving me behind as the last person to start. Slowly, I passed other runners. We ran on narrow dirt streets between mud houses, over fields of mounding trash, and leaped over open drains. People watching the race shouted "Obruni" (white foreigner) at me!  As the runners came out of the corn field, I was next to one of the fastest runners. This surprised me. Runners kept dropping out of the race because of the heat. At the end I finished third of all the women. 

Observing the local bead making process was another memorable moment. My history and archeology professors would send me away from the university to see art being made. There were two of us who were studying art at the time. On one particular trip we were sent to a town about 80 miles northeast of the university to observe bead making. The beads were being made by a master bead maker in his late twenties. This bead maker had been badly burned as a child and his father had apprenticed him to several bead makers so he would have a career. The children and the master bead maker were so proud of their ability to make such beautiful beads, and so thrilled to show us how to make beads.

TN: I had the opportunity recently to view photographs you took while you were living in Ghana. What I remember most from your photo album are gestures and expressions of the people who live in these small and remote villages. Children and adults alike seem joyful, welcoming and kind. Did their outward expressions reflect the conditions in which they lived?

LD: The people were happy although most had very little money. A family unit generally lived in a compound headed by the oldest woman since most of Ghana is a matriarchal society. Any money that is earned by anyone is shared by the family and used to support the compound. Children will run toward a new person out of curiosity, to talk to and touch the stranger. Adults want to sell you their goods and this means to also talk and laugh with you. The people want to know as much about you as you want to know about them.

TN: Has this experience made an impact in your own life?

LD:  I loved my experience in Africa. I used what I've learned in my teaching and everyday life. I know, I can travel anywhere in the world because of my African experiences. I do not take anything for granted and now know that possessions do not make you happy, and can own you.

 If this interview sparks your curiosity then check out the Africa Everyday exhibit currently up through Feb. 19 at the Sabatini Gallery.