“Inspiring Creativity: UBCO Students Illuminate Harvey with Vibrant Mural”

UBCO Students Unveil Psychedelic Wild Horses Mural in Kelowna

A Creative Endeavor and a Sense of Accomplishment

A group of talented students from the University of British Columbia Okanagan (UBCO) gathered at the Landmark buildings in Kelowna on Thursday to unveil their latest mural painting. The vibrant artwork showcases a psychedelic depiction of wild horses running through the valley, adding a touch of vibrant creativity to the cityscape.

Reflecting on their accomplishment, UBCO student Troy Teichrib expressed his amazement at the quick passage of time since they began the project. With only six weeks to complete the mural, the students worked tirelessly to bring their vision to life. Troy remarks, “It felt like we started a week ago, so to have it complete now, it’s like I still don’t believe it. I still don’t think we’re fully complete, but we are, and I’m super pumped to have the committee here and have a barbecue and to have a fun time doing this.”

Enriching the City with Artistic Flair

The wild horses mural is the latest addition to a series of stunning artworks that have graced the walls of Kelowna, thanks to the talented students under the guidance of David and Jorden Doody. Over the years, the Doody-led projects have produced murals depicting a turtle, a salmon, and a heron. However, this latest creation dwarfs its predecessors, covering nearly 4,000 square feet and requiring numerous gallons of paint.

The challenging nature of the project provided a valuable learning experience for the students involved. Fourth-year student Aliana Voshell, an abstract artist by trade, shared her insights, saying, “I kind of learned a lot of different techniques really. I’m an abstract artist, so for me, it’s based on feeling or what you’re kind of feeling that day, where this is so realistic taken with an abstract approach. It’s really nice. I’ve learned a lot from them.”

Aim to Cultivate a Flourishing Mural Painting Scene

David and Jorden Doody, the instructors overseeing the mural projects, are committed to offering their students a comprehensive and fulfilling experience. Their goal is to ensure that, by the end of the program, participants feel they have played a role in every aspect of the mural while gaining the confidence to pursue mural painting on their own.

Speaking about their ambitions, David Doody expressed a desire to cultivate a local mural painting scene, amplifying the existing artistic community and inspiring young artists to create their own mural masterpieces. David states, “The whole dream of this project for us is to cultivate a mural painting scene here locally. Not that there’s not already one, but to make it even bigger and richer so that we have young artists who are putting their ideas on walls.”

Looking to the Future

The success of the UBCO students‘ mural projects has not gone unnoticed, and there are already plans for future murals from the university. The Doody-led initiatives have brought an undeniable vibrancy to the city, transforming blank walls into beautiful canvases. The wild horses mural can be found along Harvey Avenue, where the highway meets Kirschner Road, serving as a vibrant testament to the talent and creativity of the UBCO students.

Through their dedication and artistic prowess, these students have shown the power of art in illuminating public spaces, instilling a sense of wonder, and fostering a deeper connection to the surrounding environment. With each new mural, the cultural landscape of Kelowna is enriched, amplifying the creative spirit that flows through its streets.

As the city embraces and supports these young artists, it is crucial to recognize the importance of art in our communities. Murals not only beautify and bring life to urban spaces, but they also provide a platform for self-expression, cultural representation, and community engagement. It is imperative that we continue to encourage and celebrate the creation of art, enabling it to serve as both a reflection of our society and a catalyst for positive change.

Kelowna has undoubtedly embraced this artistic movement, and it is our hope that other cities across Canada will follow suit, fostering a thriving mural painting scene that showcases the talent and vision of our nation’s emerging artists.

Let this psychedelic wild horses mural stand as an inspiration for other aspiring artists, encouraging them to explore their creativity, push the boundaries of their skills, and ultimately leave their mark on the world, one mural at a time.