Monmouth’s beloved The Boathouse gift shop and gallery faced a watery disaster when Storm Claudia swept through, leaving countless cherished artworks soaked and ruined. But instead of bowing to the devastation, the determined owner, Jenny Chuter, decided to turn the tide with her unique “soggy art sale.”
Amidst the chaos, Jenny discovered a silver lining. The flood-altered artworks seemed to hold a peculiar charm, leading her to display them on the steps outside with a playful sign, “soggy art work for sale.” Locals came out in support, purchasing the dampened pieces and lifting spirits with their encouragement.
Behind the scenes, Jenny and her dedicated team have been mucking through the aftermath, battling the water and mud still plaguing her beloved shop. Despite little support from local or county councils, Jenny’s determination shines as she presses on with the clean-up efforts. Her landlord’s support has been a beacon of hope, but Jenny remains vocal about the need for more robust leadership and assistance from officials.
Amidst the soggy sale, Jenny sees a bigger picture—the concerning frequency of such floods hinting at climate change. But fears of future deluges won’t deter her passion for the town she loves. With Christmas on the horizon, Jenny is resolute in her mission to revive her shop and contribute to making Monmouth as vibrant as ever.
Though the town sits between two rivers and has dealt with flooding before, the recent deluge was record-breaking, urging a call for action. Jenny’s story is a testament to resilience, community spirit, and the enduring charm of art—even when it’s a bit soggy. Stay strong, Monmouth! 🌧️🎨💪