Cindy's initial submission to the arts commission consisted of a sketch and a project description: “I propose a ceiling/wall fabric sculpture portraying the essence of water. The college being in the heart of the Lakes Region, water comes to mind as a vital force in the community. The sculpture captures the wild rivers and streams of the Lakes Region. It will undulate across the ceiling above the beams, from the windows to the doorway, and down the wall above the door. My intent is to trigger the energy and vibrancy of the community college with this abstract river that I call "Aqua Vibrant". It is placed in the Academic Commons to inspire students to great achievements in their own communities, whether the Lakes Region or the world.”
“My art is all about transforming spaces into humane experiences through the medium of fabric,” Thompson added. “Fabric dampens sound, and its curves remind of natural forms. I seek to create environments of tranquility and well-being: light and airy, quiet and secure." — Cindy Thompson
The commission invited Cindy to submit a scale model, which clinched the award.
While contemplating how to build the piece she imagined, Cindy realized that if the fabric were to be printed, she would be limited to fabric ten feet wide, and visible seams would be required. This was not what she had in mind, so she searched for a 15’ wide mesh fabric, and a way to paint it by hand.
Cindy's fabric search led her to ShowTex, in Belgium, a maker of theatrical fabrics. The owners of ShowTex were kind enough to subsidize the purchase of fabric for this public art installation.
Transformit’s team of designers, machinists and stitchers fabricated the custom framework and sewed the binding and pole pockets on the painted fabric, creating a single continuous 85’ by 15’ fabric sculpture that enlivens the long hallway and lounge area below.