Come Together — The Power of Connections

Commissioned Artwork for The ACT’s 20th Anniversary

To celebrate The ACT Arts Centre’s 20th anniversary of opening to the public, the Maple Ridge Pitt Meadows Arts Council has commissioned a semi-permanent artwork to adorn the interior window façade of the building. The project’s production has been made possible with the generous support of Polygon Homes.

Come Together — The Power of Connections is a large-scale, 12 panel felted artwork by Vancouver-based artist, Chantal Cardinal. The artwork was selected through an artist call by an Advisory Panel comprised of Lisa Shepherd, renowned Métis artist; Susan Hayes, local artist and former City of Maple Ridge Public Art Steering Committee Chair; and Valoree Richmond, City of Maple Ridge Director of Facilities, Parks, and Properties.

Come Together — The Power of Connections is created with wool sourced from Barnston Island and constructed through a wet-felting process. In a vibrant palette of red, orange, yellow, teal, blue, and purple, the lightweight lace-like fabric has a stained-glass effect when illuminated by natural or artificial light. The 16’x18’ artwork is divided into 12 panels and fitted into the windows in The ACT lobby.

The design of the artwork is abstract, drawing inspiration from light rays and the spectrum of a rainbow, symbolizing inclusivity, nature, and community. The intention of this project is to create an inviting and welcoming image, represent the vibrancy of activities delivered by The ACT, and to further demonstrate The ACT’s reputation as the central arts and culture provider in the City of Maple Ridge.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Chantal Cardinal is a full-time artist and creator of FELT à la main with LOVE, a brand that explores the textures and properties of wool to create beautiful and unique artifacts. Her work has been recognized and included in juried exhibitions in British Columbia, the USA, and the UK. She was awarded a Vancity public art commission for the Surrey City Centre Branch (2017) and involved in an AIC grant (2020–21) through ArtStarts where she created ‘Living Walls: From Farm to Felt.’ In the recent years she has exhibited at The Gallery George, Plaskett Gallery, and The Cultch.