Art Journal’s 45th Volume Unveiled at Art Student Exhibit

The 45th volume of Phoenix 2025, Clark’s esteemed art journal, unveiled June 12 to an eager crowd during the final day of this year’s Art Student Exhibit at Archer Gallery. Just like the exhibit’s opening day, the conclusion pulsed with life, bringing in a plethora of students, faculty, and family members.

More than a publication, Phoenix is a celebration of the creative process in all forms. Produced annually by the Associated Students of Clark College, in collaboration with the Art Department, and distributed across campus free of charge, it features a dynamic collection of work – ranging from digital illustration and painting to ceramics, metalwork, and printmaking. All contributors and editors are members of the Clark College community, including current students, faculty, staff, and alumni.

This year’s edition was led by managing editor, Mason Seewer, whose dedication and artistic vision helped shape the publication from its earliest stages last fall.

“It’s a dream come true,” Mason said. “I got to immerse myself in it and meet so many amazing people and work with so many amazing artists. I felt so honored to be able to display other people’s artwork and really give their work justice.”

For Mason, the journal is more than beautiful images – it’s about honoring the effort, emotion, and vulnerability behind each piece.

“I want to help people get their work out there and get the credit they deserve. The world needs artists now more than ever.”

A jury process – including assistant editors Kassidy Minick and Charlie Lyon – guided the journal’s selections, carefully curating the array of mediums and voices represented within its pages. Even the cover tells a story. After feeling stuck in digital design, Mason brought out the paint brushes and collaging tools and began collaging on top of a scanner.

“I had a great time reconnecting with what made me an artist and relearning the physicality of it,” Mason said. “That’s why this year’s cover has a soft touch – connecting with how it feels and how you interact with art.”

In the journal’s introduction, Mason reflected on the messy, beautiful nature of making art: “The creative process is imperfectly human. A collage of thoughts, feelings, and ideas expressed in a myriad of mediums…Our intention for the Phoenix 2025 is not only to celebrate the beauty of a finished piece, but to honor the process that led to its formation.”

The final day of the exhibit felt like a true celebration – not a quiet farewell, but a crescendo of connection and pride. While the gallery walls have been cleared, the Phoenix will continue to resonate. A selection of student art from the exhibit will be on display at the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, July 31-August 3 in downtown Vancouver.

As Mason encourages fellow artists in the journal’s introduction, “Let the imperfections fuel your creativity.”

History of the Phoenix

What began in 1959 as a literary booklet affectionately called The Egg, with hand-drawn covers and a price tag of just ten cents, the Phoenix has a long and storied history at Clark College. After a period of dormancy, the journal was revived in 1981 under its current name—a nod to its rebirth from earlier efforts. Since then, the Phoenix has grown to include visual art and writing in a wide range of mediums, and it has earned recognition at both the state and national level, including awards from the American Scholastic Press Association and the Association of Writers & Writing Programs.

Revisit Your Favorite Pieces at the upcoming Festival

Missed the exhibit, or just want to revisit the amazing work from Phoenix 2025? Visit the Phoenix website to see each piece, or see select pieces in person at the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival, July 31-August 3 in downtown Vancouver.