Rainier Industries designs figure skating backdrop for 2010 Winter Olympics

By Sigrid Tornquist

Though the bulk of the contract Rainier Industries landed with the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, British Columbia, was for a dozen 40-foot towers designating venues, it was a small backdrop included in the package that was the most visible and notable.

The “Kiss and Cry” set, which serves as a backdrop for figure skaters who wait for the judges’ scores, and was also visible behind the winners’ podiums, is arguably one of the more high-profile locations of the Winter Games—and it was designed by Rainier. “It’s not a big project, but it is absolutely the most visible graphic image at the Olympic Games,” says Scott Campbell, owner and president of Rainier Industries. “And it drew on a lot of our graphics capabilities—design and the innovative use of a variety of materials, such as wood, acrylic, paints and film.”

The Kiss and Cry set featuring the Olympic rings is made from polished acrylic.

Sigrid Tornquist is a freelance author and editor based in St. Paul, Minn. She is also the associate editor of InTents magazine.