UFV’s Flood Stories project collected introspective and impactful stories, images, art, and insights from people affected by the devastating Sumas Prairie flood of November 2021 and related environmental disasters.

Now the public will be able to view the results of the project at a special exhibition at Abbotsford’s The Reach Gallery Museum. The Flood Stories project will be featured in The Reach’s community arts space from January 27 to March 18. The exhibition will also feature eyewitness narratives, compelling stories, and images of people affected by the floods that were collected through the Climate Disaster Project and featured in the Fraser Valley Current e-newsletter.

Dr. Michelle Superle, a UFV English professor and research associate with UFV’s Food and Agriculture Institute, organized the Flood Stories project with the help of research assistant Sydney Marchand, a recent BA grad.

Superle notes that the Flood Stories project is an example of how UFV can be a leader in engaging the community through an approach that leverages the power of the humanities, including written narratives and artistic expressions, to highlight the importance of agriculture.

“Art is a powerful tool for communicating broad, abstract concepts such as climate change and regional food security, both of which tie in the devastating Sumas Prairie floods,” she notes.

“Art is a powerful tool for communicating broad, abstract concepts such as climate change and regional food security, both of which tie in the devastating Sumas Prairie floods” — Dr. Michelle Superle

“The inspiration for the Flood Stories project was two-fold: to create space for everyone who wanted to share their flood story to tell it in their own way, and to demonstrate respect for the local farmers who work so hard to feed us. The ultimate purpose of both parts of this project was to support healing. Responses to the project have exceeded our expectations: the stories and art people have shared are incredibly powerful. They demonstrate the best, most beautiful facets of humanity — hope, collaboration, and persistence. We are grateful to have met and worked with so many wonderful members of the community on this project. Thank you for trusting us with your stories.”

The exhibit opens at the Reach just in time for Family Literacy Day on January 28, which is appropriate, notes Superle, because the exhibit features many works by children, a result of working collaboratively with the Abbotsford School District for the Flood Stories project.

The Flood Stories project engaged farmers in the Fraser Valley who were affected by the November 2021 extreme flooding events, inviting them and their families to share their experiences in spoken, written, and artistic format. The project used a narrative approach to better understand how Abbotsford farmers have been affected by floods and what they need to begin thriving again.

In addition, a contest was held for school children from Abbotsford and Chilliwack in grades K through 12, as well as UFV students, staff, faculty, and alumni.

“We recognize that the flood was a very unusual and traumatic experience for many people, both those whose properties flooded and those who observed their fellow citizens undergoing extreme stress,” notes Superle. “We thought it was important to tell those stories, record them for posterity, and learn from them. Telling their story can also be therapeutic for those affected.”

The Flood Stories expressive arts contest and winning entries can be viewed here and in person at The Reach starting January 27. The Reach Gallery Museum is located

Categories and winners

1^st place written category: Sarah Brown

1^st place visual art category: Brianna Plett

1^st place photography category: Cobi Timmermans

2^nd place written category: Sha Scholtens

2^nd place visual art category: Victoria (Vivi) Vergara

2^nd place photography category: Adam Magalhaes

3^rd place written category: Emili Kaplin

3^rd place visual art category: Jenna Cowie-Randle

3^rd place photography category: Jennifer Martel

 

Grades K-7 

1^st place written category: Clara Fairbairn

1^st place visual art category: Barrowtown Elementary

1^st place “other” category: Greendale Elementary Division 4 & 5

2^nd place written category: Greendale Elementary, class submission Division 8

2^nd place visual art category: Greendale Elementary, Ms. Durflinger’s class

2^nd place “other” category: Greendale Elementary, Division 7

3^rd place written category: Audrey Kaszonyi

3^rd place visual art category: Susan White’s Grade 2/3 class, honorable mention to Bhavdeep Malhi

3^rd place “other” category: Greendale Elementary, Division 1

 

Grades 8-12

1^st place visual art category: Jessica Boon

2^nd place visual art category: Julia Janzen

 

The Reach Gallery Museum has also invited UFV and Superle to exhibit two other 20 Harvest Challenge projects in 2023: the Dress for Your Rights! Fibre Museum + Challenge will run from March 20 through April 29; the Dig for Your Rights! Food Museum + Challenge will run from September 20 through November 10. Each exhibit run includes three Weekend Family Arts workshops and one Coffee, Culture, Cookies presentation/discussion with the general public.

 

The Reach Gallery Museum is located at 32388 Veterans Way, Abbotsford.