Cultural District /City of Kelowna

By Vernon Matters Staff

New look

UBCO artists light up Kelowna’s Cultural District with banner exhibition

Jun 23, 2025 | 10:41 AM

Thirteen new street banners created by UBC Okanagan students and alumni are now on display in the heart of Kelowna’s Cultural District.

The original works are featured along the Rotary Centre for the Arts Commons and the Art Walk, thanks to a partnership between the City of Kelowna and UBCO’s Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. The pieces will remain on display for the remainder of the year.

Launched in 2020, the Outdoor Banner Exhibition program is designed to highlight emerging artists and bring their work into the public sphere. To date, it has showcased the creations of 65 UBCO students, faculty, and alumni.

“These banners add such vibrancy and interest to our community,” said Christine McWillis, Cultural Services Manager with the City of Kelowna. “We are proud this partnership continues to provide quality art in our public spaces while celebrating local talent. We invite the community to explore the Art Walk and discover these incredible pieces.”

In addition to the smaller banners, two larger pieces now feature augmented reality (AR) elements that animate when viewed through a smartphone or tablet. The AR components were created by visual arts professor Myron Campbell in collaboration with media studies students Owen Clark and Jessica Williams.

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“These works bring together sound, drawing, painting, and collage with digital tools,” said Campbell. “I’m excited for these students to be able to share their work with the public.”

UBCO’s Head of Creative Studies, Shawn Serfas, said showcasing work in public spaces plays a vital role in helping student artists grow.

“We’re excited to share the amazing work of our students and alumni,” said Serfas. “This is just one of the ways we support their development and connect them with the community.”