Clark College Invites Community To Two Latiné Events Día Del Niño (Photo) -04/16/25

Cultural Events Celebrating Children, Literacy and Earth Day

 

VANCOUVER, Wash. — Clark College invites the community to its annual free, family-friendly Latiné cultural celebration of children, literacy and Earth Day. Día del Niño (Day of the Child) is from 6 to 9 p.m. on Friday, April 25. Noche de Familia (Family Night) is Tuesday, April 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. held at Gaiser Student Center on Clark's main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way.

Both events are free and open to the public.

Celebrate Día Del Niño with activities for kids and adults [more]

Join us on Friday, April 25 from 6 to 9 p.m. to celebrate children, families, reading, dancing, and singing with environmentally friendly games, arts and crafts and snacks.

• 6 p.m. – Quesadillas, Taquitos & Tamales - traditional foods will be served
                Environmentally friendly games, arts and crafts
• 7 p.m. – Reading by Author Duncan Tonatiuh in Spanish & English
• 7:30 p.m. – Vancouver Ballet Folklórico Dance Performance
• 8 p.m. – Live Salsa band and dancing

View the complete event schedule

 

 

About Author Duncan Tonatiuh

Duncan Tonatiuh is an award-winning author-illustrator. He is both Mexican and American. He grew up in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. He graduated from Parsons School of Design and Eugene Lang College in New York City. His artwork is inspired by Pre-Columbian art, particularly that of the Mixtec codices. His aim is to create images and stories that honor the past, but that are relevant to people, especially children, nowadays.

 

Duncan Tonatiuh es un galardonado autor-ilustrador. Es Mexicano y Estadounidense. Creció en San Miguel de Allende, México y se graduó de la Parsons School of Design y Eugene Lang College en la ciudad de Nueva York. Su obra está inspirada en el arte precolombino, particularmente el de los códices mixtecos. Su objetivo es crear imágenes e historias que honren el pasado, pero que sean relevantes para las personas, especialmente los niños, hoy en día.

 

More about author Duncan Tonatiuh: https://duncantonatiuh.com/

Celebrate Noche de Familia [more]

In addition, Clark College is hosting Noche de Familia on Tuesday, April 29 from 4 to 8 p.m. in Gaiser Student Center.  This is a special night for Latiné families to learn about academic options and resources available at Clark.  This free, public event includes activities for kids and dinner for all. It is offered twice per year by the college and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  All are welcome!

 

Attendees will have opportunities to speak with Clark representatives from many departments including Financial Aid, Transitional Services, Workforce Education Services, Disability Access Center, Counseling and Health Center, Career Services and more. Workshops will be offered to explain the processes of applying for Clark College and applying for financial aid. Information will be available in both Spanish and English.

 

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.

 

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

 

If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email hr@clark.edu

 

About Clark College 

 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

 

To learn more, visit the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: https://www.clark.edu/campus-life/student-support/diversity-and-equity/

 

 

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Clark College Celebrates Sakura Festival On April 17 (Photo) -04/09/25

Annual event celebrates friendship between cultures

 

VANCOUVER, Wash.— The annual Sakura Festival returns on Thursday, April 17 to the Clark College main campus, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Weather permitting, this free community event is typically held beneath a canopy of cherry blossoms, and is presented by Clark College, the city of Vancouver, and Vancouver Rotary. 

 

Opening remarks begin at 1 p.m. in the Royce Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden, located next to Beacock Music Hall on Clark’s main campus. In case of inclement weather, the event will be inside Gaiser Student Center in the Penguin Union Building.

 

New this year: Hosted by Student Life, there will be a special display and release of a Butterfly Garden in addition to this year’s music and performances. In the Japanese culture, butterflies hold deep symbolic meaning, representing symbols of transformation, renewal, and the fleeting beauty of life. They also signify the connection between the physical and natural worlds. Butterfly motifs are often featured in Japanese literature, various art form, textile, and household items, serving as a celebration of beauty, fragility, and harmony with nature.

 

History of Sakura Festival at Clark College

More than 25 years ago, the City of Vancouver received a gift of friendship: 100 Shirofugen cherry trees from Mr. John Kageyama, President of America Kotobuki in commemoration of the 100^th anniversary of Washington’s statehood. These trees were planted at Clark College, creating an enduring reminder of the bonds between our region and Japan. 

 

Twenty years after the trees were planted, Clark College was bequeathed another generous gift from Dr. Chihiro Kanagawa, CEO of Shin-Etsu to build a Japanese Friendship Garden. At his request, the garden was named the Royce E Pollard Japanese Friendship Garden for his role in promoting international friendship. 

 

Royce Pollard and Bob Knight were both present at the dedication ceremony on April 19, 2012.

 

Over the years, those trees have grown and blossomed—as has that friendship, creating traditions like the establishment in 1995 of a sister-city relationship between Vancouver and Joyo, Japan, and our annual Sakura Festival, begun in 2006. 

 

Learn more about the history of the Sakura Festival. 

 

2025 Schedule:

 

12:50 p.m.– Koto performance by Yukiko Vossen, accompanied by LeeAnn McKenna

 

1:00 p.m. – Ceremony and greetings from:

• Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards
• City of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle
• Mr. Yuzo Yoshioka Consul General of Japan
• Clark College student, Nicole Vara, who studied abroad in Japan

1:30 p.m. – Clark College Treble Ensemble performance

 

1:40 p.m. – Enroute to the Gaiser Student Center, guests are invited to enjoy the Japanese garden and to stop by Andersen Fountain to visit the Student Life Butterfly Garden. 

 

2:00 p.m. – Butterflies Release, Andersen Fountain Courtyard

Butterflies hold significant symbolic meaning in Japanese culture, representing a variety of themes and ideas. Their imagery appears frequently in traditional Japanese art, literature, and aesthetics, embodying various aspects of life, nature, and the human experience.

 

2:00 p.m. – Activities, displays and performances, Gaiser Student Center

• A Haiku reading by Clark College Japanese Club
• Traditional Japanese Noh performance  “Fuji Musume” (Wisteria Maiden)
• Art share by children enrolled in Child and Family Studies program
• Taiko Drum performance by Takohachi Taiko. 
• Variety of cultural displays and demonstration tables around the room. 
• Hand-painted cherry blossom cookies by the college’s Professional Baking & Pastry Arts students.    

3:15 p.m. - Event adjourns

 

The Sakura Festival event is free and open to the public.

 

Driving directions and parking maps are available at www.clark.edu/maps.
1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, WA 98663

 

Accommodations: If you need an accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu

 

Clark College expressly prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, perceived or actual physical or mental disability, pregnancy, genetic information, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, creed, religion, honorably discharged veteran or military status, citizenship, immigration status, or use of a trained guide dog or service animal in its programs and activities. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds.

 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

 

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Clark College Announces Spring Programs At Archer Gallery (Photo) -04/07/25

New Exhibit, Artist in Residence, Art Talks and Workshops Offered  
 

VANCOUVER, Wash.— Archer Gallery at Clark College is hosting a new exhibit and a slate of public programs including an artist in residence, art talks and art workshops in April and May. All events are free and open to the public. All events will take place on Clark’s main campus at 1933 Fort Vancouver Way. Except where noted, all talks take place in Archer Gallery, located at the lower southwest entrance of Penguin Union Building. Light refreshments will be provided. Directions and maps are available online. 

 

Find details at Archer Gallery (clark.edu) or https://www.archergallery.space/upcoming-art-talks.
Clark College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Institution. Learn more at www.clark.edu/nds. If you need accommodation due to a disability in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Clark College’s Human Resources Office. Phone: 360-992-2105 Email: hr@clark.edu

 

ARTIST IN RESIDENCE: Bruce Conkle

• Opening Reception: April 10, noon – 4 p.m. in Archer Gallery
• Artist Talk:                April 15, 1-2 p.m. at Penguin Union Building, Room 161
• Workshop 1:             "Paper Sculpture" April 30, 1 – 2:30 p.m. in Archer Gallery
• Workshop 2:             "Silver Leafing" May 6, noon – 1:30 p.m. in Archer Gallery
• Closing Reception:  11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on May 10 in Archer Gallery
• Artist website:          https://bruceconkle.com/

Archer Gallery Director Kendra Larson explained why Conkle was chosen as artist in residence: “His work is engaging, thoughtful, and funny and because he has experience working with students. He has an extensive resume and plans to use his time in the residency to create ambitious drawings and sculptures. His first workshop will be about creating paper sculptures, and his second workshop will be on silver leafing. His work explores climate change, which is an important, current topic discussed in science, art, philosophy, and social science classrooms amongst others.” 

 

Bruce Conkle declares an affinity for mysterious natural phenomena such as snow, fire, rainbows, crystals, volcanos, tree burls, and meteorites. He examines contemporary attitudes toward the environment, including deforestation, climate change, and extinction. Conkle's work often deals with man's place within nature and frequently examines what he calls the misfit quotient at the crossroads. 

 

His work has been shown in Reykjavik, Iceland; Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Rio De Janeiro, Brazil and in the United States in New York, Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia, Miami, Seattle and Portland. Conkle’s recent projects include public art commissions for the Oregon Department of Transportation, TriMet/MAX Light Rail, and Portland State University's Smith Memorial Student Union Public Art + Residency. He has been the recipient of a Hallie Ford Fellowship, an Oregon Arts Commission Artist Fellowship and Regional Arts and Culture Council project grant.

 

CLARK ART TALKS

Larson said: “For the Clark Art Talks, I have invited artists from a variety of media, backgrounds, and experiences to share their work with our community. Each of these professional artists have unique histories and will share personal stories of artistic struggle and success with Clark students. As a student studying art, it is extremely valuable to hear how other artists have carved out careers for themselves.” 

Chris Lael Larson

• Artist Talk:        April 21, 10 – 11 a.m.
• Zoom:                 https://clark-edu.zoom.us/j/89415804013
• Artist’s website: https://www.chrislaellarson.com

Chris Lael Larson combines digital media with traditional painting, photography, and drawing materials. His colorful work playfully challenges our ideas of visual perception. His artist talk will be via Zoom to accommodate a digital painting class that meets online.

 

Larson has shown work in more than 30 cities across the U.S., with notable exhibitions at the Berkeley Museum of Art, Portland Institute of Contemporary Art, and The Portland Art Museum NW Film Center. He received a 2020 grant from The Regional Arts and Culture Council to publish Cape Disappointment, a photo book documenting the visual vernacular of the distinctive towns of the coastal northwest — places where historical, cultural, commercial, and natural forces layer to create a confounding visual mélange. 

Malia Jensen

• Artist Talk:          April 23, 1 –2 p.m. in Penguin Union Building room 161
• Artist’s website: https://www.maliajensenstudio.com/

Malia Jensen creates sculptures and videos that investigate systems of nature. Her aesthetic is clever, polished, and highly crafted with a nod to symbolic imagery. Jensen draws inspiration from the natural world and the complex relationships we negotiate within it. Her technically accomplished work marries the tactile authority of the handmade with complex psychological narratives and a genuine quest for harmony and understanding. 

 

Her work can be found in many public and private collections nationally and throughout the Northwest. Her project, Nearer Nature, received support from the Creative Heights Initiative of the Oregon Community Foundation. The resulting six-hour video, “Worth Your Salt,” was screened online during her virtual residency with the Portland Art Museum and was added to its permanent collection. 

Kimberly Trowbridge

• Artist Talk and Color Workshop:  May 1, 10 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. Frost Art Center, room 108
• Artist’s website:                              https://www.kimberlytrowbridge.com

Kimberly Trowbridge works with installation, paint, and performance to create psychological landscapes and large narrative paintings. A lecturer on color theory, Trowbridge is the director of The Modern Color Atelier, a multi-year painting program at Gage Academy of Art, Seattle. She has led plein-air painting tours in Spain, Portugal, and Twisp, Wash. She is currently developing work in the Pacific Northwest and the Mojave Desert and is writing her first book on color. 

 

Trowbridge, who has developed a practice of traveling and oil painting directly from nature, says, “On the field is where I cultivate a deep and sensitive awareness of color interaction. I consider these field works my ‘primary documents,’ and they help inform my larger, narrative paintings.” She added: “I use stage-like, pastoral settings to create visual allegories of our physical and spiritual connection to the natural world.” 

Mark R. Smith

• Artist Talk:           May 9, 1 –2 p.m., Penguin Union Building, room 161
• Artist’s website: https://markrsmithstudio.com

Mark R. Smith’s art utilizes textiles as a way to examine and understand social structures. He will talk about teaching, collaboration and public art. His current studio practice involves using recycled textiles which he incorporates into labor-intensive, densely patterned motifs that reference communal architecture, crowd dynamics and the behavioral aspects of social organisms.

 

His work has been featured in institutions across the U.S. His solo exhibitions include Gallery Hlemmur, Reykjavik, Iceland; the Office of the Governor, Salem, Oregon and the Elizabeth Leach Gallery in Portland, Oregon. His work is included in several public and private collections, including the American Embassy, Accra, Ghana; City Arts Inc., New York; King County Public Art Collection, Meta, Seattle, Washington and Lewis and Clark College, Portland, Oregon and Nike Inc., Beaverton, Oregon.

 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately 45% of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

 

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Clark College Reports Enrollment Growth And Strategic Progress In The 2025 State Of The College Video (Photo) -03/19/25

VANCOUVER, Wash. – Clark College presented its annual State of the College address in a new video format featuring Clark College President Dr. Karin Edwards alongside executive cabinet and student council representatives. The address highlighted key achievements across the college and reinforced Clark’s commitment to student success. Watch the full video here (https://www.clark.edu/about/arts-events/stateofthecollege/)

 

 

Clark College reported enrollment and financial health have exceeded expectations, reflecting the college’s resilience and growing impact. The update also showcased progress of strategic priorities, including development of new programs in high-demand fields, ongoing equity efforts, plans for the new Ridgefield location, and major technology upgrades.

 

As Clark College looks ahead, it remains steadfast in its mission to advance education and equity while nurturing student success and driving economic growth in Southwest Washington. “In light of the current challenges facing higher education, we must remain true to our mission, values, students and the community we serve,” said President Edwards.

 

Enrollment increased by another 1,000 students in 2024, exceeding the goal of increasing enrollment by 5% over the past three years, totaling 9,451 for the fall term. Over 90% of students are from Clark County and 23% are from the Running Start program. More than 55% of Clark students are planning to transfer to a 4-year college with a majority heading to Washington State University.

• Bachelor of Applied Science programs in particular have greatly exceeded predicted enrollment.
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education (BASTE) program celebrated the graduation of their first cohort. Read more about BASTE here.
• Medical Assisting program earned accreditation in 2024.

On-campus student activities also signaled the rebound of a vibrant student life. The Associated Students of Clark College (ASCC) reported that 271 club meetings and events were hosted with student attendance totaling over 23,000, a 54% increase from 2023. More about ASCC here.

 

Clark College is committed to not only providing access to higher education but also supporting student success through essential programs and wraparound services. About 35% of Clark students are from low-income backgrounds, and 47% are the first in their families to attend college. To further support these students, Clark launched a new Basic Needs Hub in 2024, complementing the Penguin Pantry which distributed over 54,000 pounds of food to 800 families last year. Read more about basic needs here.

 

New academic and workforce program developments included new Bachelor programs, healthcare pathways, and technology skills development focused on in-demand fields. Clark has worked extensively with community employers and listened to the student feedback to develop programs that are key for the growth and economic vitality of Southwest Washington. 

 

The following programs are getting ready to launch this fall:

• Surgical Technology — students can start with taking foundational classes in Spring and Summer terms. Read more about Surgical Technology here.
• Bachelor of Computer Science — first Bachelor of Science degree at Clark.
• Advanced Manufacturing program — will be housed in the brand-new Advanced Manufacturing Center in Ridgefield; is in development and currently going through the final approval process.

The new Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC) at the Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield, Wash., finished construction. A soft launch will begin this Spring term on April 7 with an official opening targeted for the 2025 Fall term in late September. Learn more about AMC here.

 

Investments in improvements in technology provided data-driven decision-making and included a new, automated solution for identifying fraud, and the completion of a multi-year project for evaluating software accessibility. 

 

Student financial aid support was a major focus this winter. Clark’s Financial Aid office was able to successfully distribute over $31 million in federal aid to Clark students despite federal delays related to the FAFSA last year.

 

College finances remain stable, and in 2024 Clark earned more revenue and spent less than expected, contributing to an increase of $1.8 million dollars in the available fund balance which allowed for funding 6 new positions, increasing the instructional adjunct budget and adding funding for tutoring and security improvements.

 

The Clark College Foundation celebrated 50 years of supporting Clark’s success, contributing to over $90 million to Clark initiatives since inception. They announced two new funds to support student success and college innovation. Learn more about CCF here.

 

An accreditation renewal for Clark College is scheduled this fall. Accreditation is more than a requirement for federal financial aid. It is a rigorous evaluation of quality and continuous improvement, ensuring that our college fulfills its mission and meets the highest standards to deliver exceptional educational opportunities to our students.

 

President Edwards also invited the community to visit the beautiful campus with its wildflowers in the bee gardens, cherry trees in the Japanese Friendship Garden, and the many arts, theater, and community events happening year-round. See more about events here.

 

On behalf of Clark College, President Edwards expressed gratitude to trustees, students, faculty, staff, community partners, and legislative representatives for their contributions to the college’s mission to ensure that education remains equitable and accessible to all who seek to learn and grow. Through education, empowerment, and opportunity, Clark College continues to elevate individuals in achieving their personal and professional goals.

 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933, Clark College provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical education. It is a public community college offering more than 100 degree and certificate programs, including bachelor’s and associate degrees; professional certificates; high school diplomas and GED preparation; and non-credit community and continuing education. Clark serves a wide range of students including high school students, displaced workers, veterans, parents, non-native English speakers, and mature learners. Approximately three-quarters of its students are in the first generation of their families to attend college.   

 

Blog: https://news.clark.edu     Facebook: @ClarkCollege     Twitter/X: @ClarkCollege     

Instagram: @ClarkCollege      Youtube: @clarkEDU              TikTok: @clarkcollege

 

 

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