An area of the Mission community known as the Culture Hub got a little more vibrant over the summer, thanks to the efforts of UFV visual arts students enrolled in VA 392 — Public Art.
And their instructor notes that in addition to getting to unleash their creativity on a large-scale canvas, they learned about consultation and collaboration.
“Public art is a public endeavor,” says instructor Chris Friesen.
His class of 25 students unveiled their 2026 projects on recently after completing four different public art pieces over the summer semester.
Students completed a mural, paneled and painted a set of stairs, and decorated a picnic bench and a pathway. This isn’t the first year UFV students have had this opportunity. The course has run on numerous occasions since 2008, with murals located in schools, public overpasses, alleyways, and various UFV locations.
“Part of what makes this a very different course, is that it’s not me designing something and letting students do it. From soup to nuts, the students have agency and lead the project. They do the research, they do the design, and then they have to execute,” says Chris.
Students began work on the four public art pieces back in May. This entailed examining and consulting about the space that they were going to be beautifying, but also ensuring that the community approved of the changes through consultation with city officials and Mission locals.
“It’s art for public place, which means you have to be absolutely cognizant of the history of the area, and the users. Everyone that’s involved in that space has to have a degree of representation in that art,” says Chris.
We had a tremendous engagement at the Mission Farmer’s Market. Our booth was never empty,” says Chris.
Students presented their proposals to locals, gaining feedback and insight on how to develop their ideas and incorporate them into the community in a way that involves everyone.
“The reception was fantastic,” says Chris.
The students had the opportunity to experience art in a public professional environment.
“When you’re doing a presentation, you’re not just going over the concepts of the idea. You’re working graphically to put the art in situ, overlaying it into where it would be in the world,” notes Chris.
Their proposals included materials breakdowns, cost, and research.
It’s professional art in practice. But it was also an exercise in respecting and recognizing art in place.
“The main goal, for me, is that the students give back to the community in whatever way they can. And when they gain confidence through learning how something runs, that’s also cool,” says Chris.
Since the course’s inception in 2008, several Public Arts students have gone on to complete professional mural projects, including Chantelle Trainor-Matties, and Shannon Thiesen.
The public art works can be viewed on Second Avenue in Mission outside the Mission Community Centre.
