Cabinet, mahogany and silk.

As a young girl, Cindy Vargas was a dance student who dreamed of one day becoming a dancer or choreographer. While she pursued dance into her early 20s, Vargas has since found a different -- albeit unusual -- way to express her creative passion of movement and music: furniture making.

"I really wanted to be a dancer, but ultimately pursued a more academic course of study at the University of Minnesota," Cindy said. "After several years working as an administrator, I decided to return to school to study the visual arts and woodworking."

The 42-year-old Vargas, whose work has been displayed in exhibitions and galleries throughout the country, draws on her background in dance when she designs furniture. Much of her work is sculptural, using form and gesture to create unique, evocative pieces.

Copyright 2003, Rockler Companies, Inc.