He is also currently serving as the Artisanry Department Chair. Alan has shown his work nationally and internationally in numerous galleries and exhibitions and has taught many workshops throughout the country. Thompson is the recipient of a Massachusetts Arts Council Individual Fellowship and a National Endowment of the Arts Individual Fellowship. His work appeared on the cover of the Summer 2005 issue of Metalsmith magazine, with an accompanying feature article. He has also been published in American Craft magazine, ARTnews, and Smithsonian Magazine, among other books and publications. He has lectured twice at the Smithsonian's Renwick Gallery of American Craft. He also has work in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian. Additional collections include: The White House, the Racine Museum of Art, and the private collection of actor Robin Williams.