Banners featuring art by UBCO students and alumni mounted on lamp posts in Kelowna (photo courtesy of the UBCO's Creative Studies department)

By Liam Verster

Public Art

Artful banners by UBCO students, alumni displayed in Kelowna

Jun 7, 2024 | 9:00 AM

A series of colourful banners have been installed on lamp posts in Kelowna.

As part of the Outdoor Banner Exhibition program, 13 original works by University of B.C. Okanagan (UBCO) students and alumni have been set installed along the Rotary Centre for the Arts Commons and along the Art Walk in the Cultural District.

The banner program is made possible through a partnership between the City of Kelowna and the UBCO’s Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies. The partnership, which was launched as a way to engage and expand access to exhibition space in the city, is in its fourth year.

“We are fortunate to be part of a community with immense talent. Through this partnership, we are proud to support local and emerging artists and have an opportunity for locals and visitors alike to engage with their works,” Christine McWillis, Cultural Services Manager for the City of Kelowna, said.

“We can’t wait for our community to discover these incredible pieces on their next stroll through the Cultural District.”

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An exhibition opening celebration is planned for June 12 at the Rotary Centre for the Arts from 4:30 to 7 p.m. for people to learn more about the artwork.

“Art is a reflection of life. As our students are going through our program, we engage them in the community in a variety of ways,” Shawn Serfas, Head of the Department of Creative Studies at UBCO, said.

“Having these artworks of our students and alumni alongside each other in a public setting, helps them to continue in the future as professional artists.”

Additionally, some of the banners are being presented with augmented reality (AR) to allow three-dimensional animations to appear on top of the printed image. These works are part of the Press Play! research project, which provide undergraduate students the opportunity to pitch and pursue a project in research-creation, digital design and media production. Similar AR artworks were also displayed last year as well.