 Photo: Observation of Wonder Brenna Maag, a talented local artist from Mission, British Columbia, has been passionate about creating art since childhood. With the loving support of her Nana, who taught her to sew, and her mom, who crafted a cozy studio corner for her in the family room, Brenna discovered her creative spark early on. By Grade 11, she was certain she would pursue a life as an artist, eventually attending Emily Carr University to specialize in printmaking and installations. Over the years, Brenna has exhibited her work across the Lower Mainland and shared her skills as an artist-in-residence in schools. Though she has navigated the challenges of raising children alongside her artistic journey, Brenna’s creativity remains an essential part of her identity, inspiring her every step of the way. Brenna is drawn to ambitious, multi-year projects that create immersive, meaningful experiences for her audience. Her renowned installation, Observation of Wonder, features over 700 reclaimed doilies carefully arranged inside a nine-foot-high dome. Visitors stepping into the dome are captivated by the luminous patterns that surround them, often describing the space as sacred. Brenna’s goal is to touch people’s hearts and create moments of connection through her work. Her current project, Camera Illumina, incorporates camera obscura technology to foster intimacy with the land through attention and sensory experience. This project reflects Brenna’s journey to build a deeper relationship with her home—the ancestral land of the Stó:lō people—and to rethink her perspective on nature. Inspired by Potowatami botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer’s book Braiding Sweetgrass, Brenna explores the idea of being in a reciprocal relationship with the land. Her work invites viewers to engage with their surroundings in thoughtful and transformative ways. Brenna’s creativity extends into deeply personal projects, such as A Calendar You’re Not Allowed to Keep. Inspired by the many postcards her dad sent her during his life, Brenna designed an interactive calendar that encourages users to send monthly postcards to loved ones, fostering tangible connections. This heartfelt project received immense support, becoming fully funded in just 11 hours during its Kickstarter campaign and earning the badge “Kickstarter Projects We Love.” Brenna is currently developing the 2026 version of the interactive postcard calendar. View Brenna’s work at www.brennamaag.ca. Through her art, she offers a glimpse into her creativity, dedication, and the meaningful connections she strives to create.
By Ellen Nguyen | Photos by Tristyn MacLeod  If you’ve recently driven down Tunbridge Avenue, you may have noticed a bright new building taking shape. You wouldn’t be alone in wondering what it is. That eye-catching structure is Kaleidoscope—a new childcare centre and the result of a groundbreaking partnership between the City of Mission, Mission Association for Community Living (MACL), the University of the Fraser Valley (UFV), and Converge Construction. But Kaleidoscope is more than just a building—it’s a symbol of what’s possible when a community comes together around a shared vision for children and families. Funded through the Province’s New Spaces initiative, the centre will be operated by MACL, an organization with decades of experience in inclusive, family-centered services. From the very beginning, this project has been about innovation, collaboration, and heart. That spirit came to life in a recent partnership with UFV’s Early Childhood Education (ECE) program. Students were invited to use Kaleidoscope as a real-world class project, developing design concepts for both the indoor learning environment and the outdoor play space. “The students were incredibly excited to take part,” says Dawn Hein, CEO at MACL. “They approached the opportunity with thoughtfulness, creativity, and a deep understanding of play-based, child-led learning. It was truly inspiring to see their ideas take shape.” In class presentations, students shared mood boards, sketches, and storytelling elements that reflected the values of the BC Early Learning Framework. From cozy reading nooks to nature-inspired outdoor areas designed for exploration and discovery, their concepts showcased both innovation and inclusivity. Supporting this hands-on experience was Lacey Construction, who went above and beyond by enabling UFV students access to the construction site by providing steel-toed boots and hi-vis vests from their lending library. Students were able to engage with the project firsthand—an experience rarely offered to those still in training. “For our students, being part of the design process for a real, soon-to-open childcare centre is a gift,” says Kylee Cox, UFV ECE instructor. “It’s meaningful learning that connects curriculum to community in a powerful way.” Kaleidoscope is expected to open in September 2025 and will provide quality, inclusive childcare to Mission families. But its impact is already being felt. It stands as a vibrant reminder that when public, nonprofit, educational, and private partners come together, they don’t just build spaces—they build futures.
Imagine you’re at the grocery store shopping for oranges. Two brands are available: the “Amazing Orange” and the “Super Orange.” Which would you choose to buy? Chances are, you wouldn’t decide based on their similarities. For example, since both oranges contain vitamin C, using that as a buying criteria wouldn’t help you choose between them. Instead, you would probably look for differences. What does one brand have that the other does not? Maybe one is less expensive, organically farmed, or is seedless! When people make buying decisions, they often look for differences. So, if you’re thinking of selling your property, highlighting its unique and desirable features — its differences from comparable homes — is crucial. How do you do that? The first step is to make a list of those special features you want buyers to notice. Those might include a new and spacious deck, extra high ceilings, a finished basement, move-in readiness, and other characteristics. Next, you want to make sure those features are emphasized in marketing materials and when I staging your home. There are many ways to emphasize features through staging. For example, if the deck is a desirable feature, ensure it’s well-lit in the evenings (for after dusk viewings.) Also, make it easy to see when buyers are in your home, by having the curtains pulled back. You may be able to explore other ways to ensure buyers notice and appreciate the deck too. Differences make a difference! Show them off when selling. Ready to showcase your home’s best features and maximize its value on the market? Don’t navigate the selling process alone, partner with a trusted real estate professional who knows how to highlight what makes your property truly special. Whether it’s staging tips, professional photography, or crafting a compelling listing description, I’m here to help you make a lasting impression on potential buyers. Let’s work together to sell your home quickly and for the best possible price. Contact me today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a successful sale! Call me at 604-615-6446 Your dream sale starts here - let’s make it happen!  by Sara Maric When spring cleaning, have you ever tried decluttering in pursuit of minimalism? Sorting through each item, deciding whether it still holds value? But what happens when you come across something you love but it doesn’t quite match the rest of your space?
Instead of letting it go - embrace it! Find a special spot for it and enjoy the little burst of happiness every time you walk by. That’s the essence of Dopamine Décor - a design approach centred around joy, nostalgia, and self-expression. It’s not about following trends or sticking to rigid style rules. Instead, it’s about surrounding yourself with pieces that make you smile, whether you prefer a clean, simple aesthetic or lean towards a more maximalist approach. Fill your space with bold, fun patterns, eclectic fabrics and textures, and exciting thrift store finds. The goal is to trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter linked to pleasure and reward. One of my favourite projects was transforming Tina and Jake’s 2024 wedding venue. What started as a blank, all-white space became a lush summer forest court, complete with a library entrance - a true reflection of their love story. Seeing their vision come to life was a reminder that great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about emotion, creativity, and making spaces truly personal. Here’s how you can incorporate Dopamine Décor into your space:
So go ahead - decorate with joy! What pieces in your home bring you the most happiness?   The 38th Annual Mission Folk Music Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of eclectic music, storytelling, and cultural connection. Set against the stunning backdrop of Fraser River Heritage Park in Mission, BC, the festival will once again bring together artists from across the globe, weaving together the threads of tradition, innovation, and community spirit. Known for its intimate atmosphere and world-class performances, this cherished event offers something for everyone: lively music, delicious food, artisan vendors, and a chance to connect with people who share a love of live music and culture. Taking place July 25-27, 2025, the festival will feature a dynamic lineup of artists representing a wide array of genres, including folk, roots, blues, world music, and more. Whether you’re drawn to the soulful sound of acoustic ballads, the rhythmic pulse of global beats, or the storytelling magic of singer songwriters, the festival’s diverse programming will provide unforgettable moments for music lovers of all ages. Beyond the music, the festival offers a range of activities that enhance the experience. Interactive workshops, engaging family-friendly programming, artisan market and food court, and opportunities to meet the artists make it a participatory event rather than just a spectator experience. How to Get Involved There are countless ways to engage with the Mission Folk Music Festival and become part of its vibrant community.  Visit the festival’s website, sign up for e-newsletter, and follow on social media pages for updates, announcements, and ways to get involved. Find Your Folk with us!
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