Throughout this past month of March, very Wednesday evening visitors wishing to experience the joy and awe of Meander have been welcome at Tapestry Hall.
Meander is the largest living architectural sculpture in the world. To have it in our city, located in the Gaslight District on Grand Avenue, is amazing.
All of those experiencing this wondrous dreamlike structure, designed by Philip Beesley, and presented by Jerret Young were amazed.
Jerret Young, co-founder and CEO of Equal Parts Hospitality led us through a 17-minute inspiring meditation. You still have one last opportunity to visit this coming Wednesday, at 7 p.m. or 8 p.m. although I suspect, due to its popularity, it may not be the last.
Jerret and his partner Jason Cassis focus on guest experience delivering the best experience ever in all the aspects of hospitality they cover. Indeed, this one was.
During all my previous visits to Tapestry Hall, whilst briefly admiring the decorative sculptures, I had never fully appreciated this wonderful installation. Visiting a couple of weeks ago with my two daughters Alison (visiting from the UK) and Helen, who lives locally, we felt privileged to have Jerret present us with all aspects of the installation.
We were given blankets to lay on the floor with the suggestion to best appreciate the movement, sounds and colours of this living work we should lie down comfortably and look up to the ceiling. I chose to do so, despite having celebrated Alison's visit heartily at dinner earlier. I knew someone would probably help me get back up if necessary.
We were to maintain absolute silence while the show unfolded.
We took a dreamlike virtual journey into the Grand River, engaging with a sculpture designed through a meshwork of spheres and billowing-cloud canopies to react to our movements with light, colour and sound. This means no two shows are identical as it constantly adapts and learns from its audience.
You literally feel as though you are meandering down the Grand River.
It is designed to depict the complex interwoven parts of nature and the complex eco-system that winds its way through the centre of our city. It likens spans of geological time periods, and the river, nature, and geology as all are under constant transformation. Meander offers a mesmerizing trip. It states that “The Arts is alive and inspired by humanity.”
Beesley, a professor at the School of Architecture has his work presented around the world. How incredibly fortunate we are that we have one of his finest pieces of work here in Cambridge.
It's comprised of thousands of lightweight flexible structures, lights, and constantly-changing sounds and colours, all intricately connected.
In the future it will offer curriculum for schools to learn about living architecture and is created for Grades 5-8 to be involved in the science, writing, art, and oral communication of this work. It's a wonderful teaching tool.
Visiting Meander in our community is wondrous; the artistic innovation makes you believe you are in New York or London. It is the blended problem-solving application of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math, what an incredible combination.
If you are intrigued, do go and visit, if you are able, this Wednesday evening or watch for further advertising and continuation of this experience.
Hundreds of talented people under Beesley's leadership were involved in the design and the installation, ensuring its appropriate location in Cambridge. It's a collaborative experience combining the best in all the many disciplines involved and all the participants.
Congratulations and my sincere thanks for this unique experience.
