80-Foot Mural Celebrates Michigan Town's Flood Recovery

A massive burst of color is spreading across the Sanford Dam powerhouse in Michigan, turning concrete into a celebration of survival. The 80-foot-wide, 25-foot-tall mural called "Getting Back to the Roots" tells the story of a community rebuilding after catastrophic dam failures and floods in May 2020.

Flint-area artist Kevin Burdick is bringing the vision to life with emerging plants, winding roots, fish, wildlife and historical images representing affected communities. The progression from seedlings to full growth symbolizes the region's journey back from disaster.

"It's kind of this rebirth," Burdick said. "I wanted it to be about getting back to the way it was before, family and the dams, but in a very artsy way."

Burdick was selected from 41 applicants through a nationwide call for artists. Organizers stood out by compensating all three finalists for their design work, recognizing that creating detailed proposals takes artists days of professional time.

The privately funded project has raised about 75% of its $200,000 budget, managed through the Midland Area Community Foundation. The mural represents recovery efforts across the entire four-lake system, not just Sanford.

Burdick spent an entire day applying 15 gallons of primer before beginning the detailed spray paint work. Despite painting murals in 16 states, Canada and Mexico, he calls this one his most detailed large-scale project yet.

The Ripple Effect

The mural is just phase one of a broader vision to transform the area into a place of remembrance and renewal. Plans include an accessible paved walkway connecting Sanford Village Park to the dam overlook, solar lighting, interpretive signs about the flood and ecosystem, picnic areas, benches and native plant landscaping.

Sanford Village President Dolores Porte said the artwork brings much-needed optimism after years of restoration work and special assessments. "It brings more hope and excitement to the village after being flooded," Porte said. "It brings some positive energy to the area."

Burdick, who started spray-painting at 13 and now operates Scraps Designs, values public art for its accessibility. "You don't have to pay an entry fee to enjoy it," he said. "Street art is for everyone."

The entire recognition project should be completed by spring 2027, creating a lasting tribute to the organizations, workers and residents who refused to let disaster define their community.