Where Earth Meets Sky | A Barrisol Ceiling that Brings Dakota Star Knowledge to Life

The Artist Behind the Vision

Marlena Myles is a self-taught Native American artist and an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Dakota, and is also of Mohegan and Muscogee descent. Growing up immersed in Dakota knowledge and traditions in the Twin Cities, Myles uses the land as a teacher and brings a contemporary perspective to Indigenous history, languages, and oral traditions. Her work helps Minnesotans of all backgrounds better understand the Indigenous history of the place we call home.

We worked with Perkins&Will Architects (Minneapolis) and Greiner Construction (Minneapolis) to help bring this meaningful artistic and architectural vision to life. The Barrisol stretched-ceiling system made it possible to reproduce Myles’ intricate artwork across the expansive circular opening while preserving the vivid colors, fine details, and precise geometry essential to the design.

Extending the Story Into the Cosmos

In the Barrisol® ceiling artwork, Wičháŋȟpi Thó Wiŋ, or Blue Star Woman, radiates in four directions, expressing the universe’s movement and the Dakota teaching that every person is born with Sičúŋ—a sacred gift that shapes one’s life, creativity, and relationships.

The constellations Ahdéška, the Salamander, and Khéya, the Turtle, honor traditional birth teachings and the protective bundles created for newborns. Cottonwood branches weave through the composition, strengthening the connection between earth and sky.



Barrisol’s lightweight, flexible, translucent membrane made it possible to reproduce Marlena Myles’ intricate artwork across the expansive circular ceiling. Illuminated by Barrisol® Mesh lighting with an Evo-Lite® 5-in-1 Dimmable LED driver, the membrane brings added depth and luminosity to the imagery. Precision fabrication and careful tensioning create a smooth, continuous surface that preserves the artwork’s vivid colors, fine details, and flowing geometry. More than a finished ceiling, it transforms the space into an immersive expression of Dakota culture, identity, and star knowledge.

Connecting the Worlds Above and Below

The story overhead continues through the surrounding mural and terrazzo floor. The floor represents Bdóte, the sacred confluence of the Minnesota and Mississippi Rivers, while the mural draws on Dakota teachings that connect waterways, constellations, ancestors, and future generations.



At the center, the sacred cottonwood tree extends its roots toward the rivers and its branches toward the stars—embodying Kapémni and the relationship between the worlds above and below.

Together, these elements create a powerful sense of place, with the Barrisol ceiling serving as the defining focal point—bringing Marlena Myles’ vision to life and surrounding visitors with the movement, meaning, and beauty of the Dakota cosmos.

The result demonstrates how Barrisol can do more than complete a ceiling. It can transform original artwork into a defining architectural experience—surrounding visitors with imagery, meaning, and a powerful sense of place.

Whether your project calls for a custom-branded ceiling, dramatic lighting, printed artwork, or another imaginative architectural application, Barrisol® offers nearly limitless design possibilities that leave a lasting impression.



Contact us to put our experience, trusted guidance, and clear communication to work—from early planning and coordination through installation and completion. We are here to help bring your vision to life!