A freshly painted mural sits on Third Avenue in Chula Vista.
The newest display of public art adorns the walls of cThru Media’s headquarters at 460 Third Ave., Suite B, and is a mural advertising investment by the digital marketing agency and Southwestern College brought to life by local San Diego artist and muralist Nick McPherson.
The mural is an idea between cThru Media, a digital marketing agency, and RobertStemler Media, a media buying agency for Southwestern College. The two agencies partner to serve Chula Vista’s prominent community college which has an estimated 25,000-plus student enrollment from across San Diego County. The mural advertising was a great opportunity to promote the college’s “Jaguar Journey” campaign, informing prospective students about the options they offer as pathways to jobs, career advancement, or postsecondary education.
“cThru Media is a long-standing member of the Chula Vista community, we are deeply rooted in this city. We live, work, and play here,” says Kevin Kearns, founder and CEO, cThru Media in a press release. “We are committed to giving back to the South Bay and fostering connections that make our shared home a vibrant and thriving place. What better way to do this than commissioning a mural supporting the incredible programs of Southwestern College.”
The Southwestern College mural, titled “Jaguar Journey” is colorful and vibrant, with the college’s gold and burgundy colors dominating the artwork. It’s made up of the SWC logo, the Jaguar mascot with the SWC’s Sun mark logo throughout, it lays over books titled “Career Education” and “Jaguar Journey,” referencing the academic road to a career that can be obtained through the many courses offered at Southwestern College. A QR code at the bottom left of the mural leads to an informative online roadmap about the “Jaguar Journey” and college registration options. The mural also depicts some of its popular programs and courses that align well with the ever-evolving labor trends of the region, such as the School of Mathematics, Science and Engineering which offers STEM classes and their Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems. Other courses offered include Culinary Arts; Film, Television, Media Arts, and Recording Arts; Public Safety; and Electric Vehicles.
This is the first time Southwestern College has invested in large-scale community art to enhance its presence in the neighborhoods it serves. This approach transforms walls and open spaces into vibrant storytelling platforms, creating a meaningful connection with the community. While commonly seen in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, cThru Media saw a unique opportunity to utilize its property wall for this initiative. However, it was essential to find a partner who shared the same mission of uplifting and inspiring the local community.
“This is a dynamic piece of public art that bridges the college’s mission with the community it serves,” stated Jennifer Lewis, dean, School of Applied Technology and Hospitality Management, Southwestern College. “It blends creative expression with purposeful communication and highlights the college’s dedication to education, opportunity, and connection with the residents of its community.”
The artwork serves as a representation of the higher education programs that many Southwestern College students have and continue to embrace. Local businesses and industries also work in collaboration with the college to develop tailored training programs that meet regional economic needs and provide hands-on experience and job placement opportunities.
“This is a reminder that great things can be accomplished through community partnerships,” said Kearns. “This mural is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to the community we serve—where education, opportunity, and collaboration come together to inspire growth and shared success.”
