Always the River's Cosmic Helpers and Their Matching Threatened Species

“Always the River” is the title of my hand-painted tension fabric sculpture, installed at the F&M Bank Arena in Clarksville, Tennessee.

In making this sculpture, I was inspired by the Cumberland River, the Red River and Dunbar Cave. The rivers are the lifeblood of the local civilization, transporting people and distributing food, products and culture. The cave, with its Native American pictographs and petroglyphs dating back to the first human inhabitants of the region, ties us to our long shared history.

The sustainable coexistence of humans with nature is of the utmost importance. I have called upon "HeartMan" to help me illustrate this need for sharing.

“HeartMan” first appeared to me in Maine, in 1986, and attached itself to another of my outdoor installations. HeartMan was born of the seas, long ago.

Now HeartMan has made a special project of protecting the Cumberland River in Tennessee, and the many at-risk species who live there. With the help of The Tennessee Wildlife Agency, the HeartMan has identified twenty of the most important threatened species, and has created, for each of them, a unique 'cosmic helper'.

I hope that you will examine the sculpture (and the projected animated avatars) to find your favorite cosmic helper. Then chart your own path to sustainable coexistence with nature by learning about your chosen helper's at-risk creature. When you do, “Always the River” will have served its purpose. Thank you!

Cynthia Thompson, Sculptor

NOTE: With all this talk about Cosmic Helpers, I especially want to give credit, and thanks, to my Earthly Helpers:

James LaPlante of Sputnik Animation led the team of Maine College of Art + Design animators who brought my Cosmic Helpers to life.

Michael Reidy, MFA designed and programmed the lighting story.

Connor Pirruccello-McClellan, MFA led the installation, and fabricated the frame at Transformit.

Jonathan Crowe detailed and engineered the frame, Jeff Payeur machined all the structural fittings, Denise Laverriere patterned, and Beth Austin stitched the fabric ‘skin’. Brian Dunn assisted with fabrication, while Chrystal Courtois carefully packed my sculpture. Leslie Lenentine managed money and logsitcs.

Matt Rawdon assisted with website, graphics and the scale model.

Frank Lott, Executive Director of the Customs House Museum and Cultural Center, Clarksville, TN, brought me into the project and advocated for me and the integrity of the project.