RCA Youth Mural Project 2026 – Official Unveiling

The Rotary Centre for the Arts invites community members, artists, educators, families, and supporters to attend the official unveiling of the RCA Youth Mural Project 2026, presented in conjunction with the Creative Aging Festival.

Event Overview

The Rotary Centre for the Arts’ Youth Mural Project continues its commitment to engaging Kelowna youth artists in collaborative community arts experiences that explore creativity, mentorship, and connection to place.

Guided by mural lead artist Gail Hodgson and facilitator Rain Doody, together youth participants tehy collectively to designed and created this mural. Inspired by the natural environment and diverse communities of the Okanagan, the mural explores themes of environmental stewardship, belonging, and interconnectedness through an abstract realism style.

In consultation with Syilx/Okanagan Nation Knowledge Keeper Jasmine Peone, the artwork incorporates native plants significant to the Okanagan landscape, including sp̓iƛ̓m (Bitter Root), sc̓rsiʔəmix (Oregon Grape), skʷinkʷin̓ (Spring Beauty), skʷisiʔəmix (Kinnikinnick), smúk̓ʷaʔx̌n̓ (Arrow leaf Balsam Root), and sʔatqʷɬp (Ponderosa Pine). These natural forms are woven together with layered patterns and symbolic imagery that reflect the relationship between people, culture, and environment.

Through mentorship, artistic collaboration, and hands-on mural creation, participating youth developed new artistic skills while contributing their perspectives and creativity to a lasting public artwork within Kelowna’s Cultural District.
The project celebrates youth creativity, cultural knowledge, and the interconnectedness of people, place, and environment.

The Rotary Centre for the Arts gratefully acknowledges the Tony Quo Vadis Foundation for its funding support of this youth initiative.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Location: Rotary Centre for the Arts – Atrium Patio

Program Schedule

12:00 PM – Opening Remarks by Executive Director Colleen Fitzpatrick
12:05 PM – Syilx/Okanagan Welcome Ceremony by Pamela Barnes and Wilfred (Grouse) Barnes.
12:15 PM – Project Reflections with Lead Artist Gail Hodgson and Facilitator Rain Doody
12:30 PM – Refreshments & Community Gathering

About the Celebration

This event celebrates the power of the arts to inspire dialogue, foster inclusion, and support the next generation of artists and changemakers in our community. Join us in recognizing the creativity, collaboration, and artistic leadership of local youth artists and community mentors.

RSVP by June 12, 2026.