A new mural is brightening Third Avenue in Chula Vista, adding a splash of color to a dynamic business districts.
Located at 460 Third Ave., home to cThru Media, the artwork is the result of a collaboration between the digital marketing agency and Southwestern College. Designed and painted by local San Diego artist Nick McPherson, the mural celebrates education, creativity and community pride.
The idea started as a joint effort between cThru Media and RobertStemler Media, which handles media buying for Southwestern. The mural features the college’s Jaguar mascot and signature gold and burgundy colors, while including a QR code to direct viewers to more information about the school and enrollment.
“cThru Media has been part of the Chula Vista community for years—we live, work, and build relationships here,” said Kevin Kearns, the firm’s founder and CEO. “This mural is a way to support Southwestern College’s mission while adding something visually exciting to the neighborhood.”
For Southwestern College, this marks its first investment in large-scale public art.
“This mural connects our college’s mission with the community in a meaningful way,” said Jennifer Lewis, dean of the School of Applied Technology and Hospitality Management. “It’s more than just art — it’s a statement about education, opportunity and our commitment to the region.”
Beyond its artistic appeal, the mural highlights the ties between local businesses and Southwestern.
“This project is a great example of what happens when businesses and educators work together,” Kearns said. “The mural is more than just paint on a wall — it represents education, opportunity, and collaboration that benefits everyone in the community.”
Residents, business owners and students are encouraged to get involved by checking out the mural, snapping a photo and tagging it #SWCme.
