Clarksville, TN – A wave of creativity and cultural reflection is set to wash over downtown Clarksville as artist Cynthia Thompson unveils her newest large-scale installation, Always the River, on Thursday, May 15th, 2025 at 7:00pm at the F&M Bank Arena.
Located at the First Street and Main Street entrance, this breathtaking, hand-painted tension fabric sculpture is more than just a visual marvel—it’s a tribute to the region’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Drawing inspiration from the Cumberland River, Red River, and the mystical Dunbar Cave, Thompson’s work transforms these iconic local landmarks into an immersive artistic journey.
At the heart of the piece is HeartMan, a recurring figure in Thompson’s art, reimagined as a guardian of Tennessee’s waterways and a silent sentinel for its many endangered species. In collaboration with the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Always the River features twenty “cosmic helpers”—animated avatars symbolizing threatened local creatures—woven into the sculpture’s flowing fabric.
“I hope you will examine the sculpture (and the projected animated avatars) to find your favorite cosmic helper and chart your own path to sustainable coexistence with nature by learning about your chosen helper’s at-risk creature,” Thompson said. “When you do, Always the River will have served its purpose.”
The installation is the product of a powerful community partnership between F&M Bank, F&M Bank Arena, the Montgomery County Public Art Ad-Hoc Committee, and the Montgomery County Commission. Together, these partners aim to elevate the downtown experience by embracing public art as a vehicle for education, engagement, and environmental awareness.
The unveiling promises a unique evening of inspiration, art, and community spirit. Visitors will not only witness the sculpture in person but also interact with its digital components, deepening their connection to the region’s ecology.
To explore more about the artist and the Always the River project, visit www.cynthiathompson.art/always-the-river.
