Each year, The Reach invites emerging artists from the Fraser Valley and beyond to take part in our cornerstone mentorship programs: Art on Demand and CITI/SEEN.
The sixth edition of CITI/SEEN was created on Bob Bos Lane just off W Railway in Historic Downtown Abbotsford, on the side of Karl’s Market.
Artists’ Statement
This mural celebrates the rich flora and fauna of the Fraser Valley in British Columbia. Inspired by the team’s concept sketches, creative input, and animal selections, mentor artist Chantelle Trainor-Matties crafted the final design for the team to bring to life on the wall.
Featuring animals from the sky, water, and land set against a backdrop of mountains and native vegetation, including cattails and sword ferns, with the Fraser River flowing through it, Hearts of the Valley brings awareness to local natural beauty as something we should appreciate and protect.
The composition is framed by two animals rendered in the style of contemporary Northwest Coast formline, which honours Trainor-Matties’s Nisga’a roots. The raven represents adaptability, knowledge, and balance, while the otter represents joy and curiosity. The team also wanted to highlight the resourceful raccoon, often misunderstood as a pest, yet simply striving to survive amid urbanization. At the center is a salmon, a vital source of nourishment for people, wildlife, and the soil that sustains our plants. Buried in the soil, a skull serves as a reminder that life is fleeting, encouraging us to cherish all that we have.
This mural highlights the interconnectedness of life and invites viewers to reflect on the importance of protecting our natural world.
With generous support by
and in-kind sponsorships by
and
