Clark College Entry Services and the Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion welcomed approximately 160 students from local high schools to the annual Discovering College Confidence event on March 11. This annual event provides opportunities for BIPOC high school students to participate in a series of activities meant to:  

• Address the excitements and fears around college  
• Explore pathways and supports available in the college environment  
• Discover how embracing your identity can enhance your college experience 

The day kicked off with a powerful keynote from Clark College alumna Esmeralda “Vita” Blanco, who shared her inspiring academic journey from high school diploma to higher education success. Students then participated in interactive workshops, engaging activities, and prize giveaways—all designed to help them envision a future in higher education.  

The event’s workshops included:  

• Navigating Financial Aid & Scholarships with Confidence  
• Your Well-Being, Your Power: Taking Charge of your Mental & Physical Health  
• Empower Your Voice: Choosing Careers That Align with Your Values  
• Success in College: Learning Your Voice  
• Running Start: Own Your Voice, Own Your Future  

Participating schools in Clark County included Battle Ground, Evergreen, Fort Vancouver, Henrietta Lacks, Heritage, Hockinson, Hudson’s Bay, Mountain View, Prairie and Union high schools. 

Keynote Address  

Vita Blanco, a Latina, single mom, and woman of faith addressed the high school audience with her academic story that started at Clark College as an adult student in the high school diploma program, continuing for an associate of applied science degree, then transferring to Washington State University Vancouver to earn a bachelor’s degree. 

Here are excerpts from Blanco’s address: 

“On my third day [at Clark College]…I shared with Sam [May-Varas], ‘I’m not returning tomorrow. Thank you so much.’ And that was such a pivotal moment because I was able to be open and real—even though I didn’t want to, and I was very ashamed, and that I didn’t know how to do the homework. He sat with me, he told me that he believed in me, and that what I did in that homework was the reason why I needed to be here…It took just one teacher, one person to believe in me, in the classroom…I knew that I was supposed to be here.”  

“I had a high school GPA of 1.7. I was a dropout. Fast forward to when I graduated with my high school diploma with a 4.0—but better yet, I was able to help my youngest daughter. She asked me the week before I was going to graduate. ‘Mom, will you help me with my eighth-grade essay,’ and for the first time, I was able to show up for her and help her with her homework. That was such a joy to remember.”  

Blanco continued studying at Clark College and worked as a Student Ambassador. In 2019 she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Business Administration and was awarded the Community College Presidents’ Scholarship to attend Washington State University Vancouver. Read her story here.  

She said, “I started that fall…to get my undergraduate degree—I thought, yes, I learned everything at Clark College, but I had learned in a few months in that I had imposter syndrome. I thought, ‘man, this is hard, this is harder than I thought,’ but I began to persevere as I learned about imposter syndrome. Maybe it was some of my voices of upbringing, my community, my voices inside of me, and not feeling that I belong there. But I kept showing up.”  

“I believe that Clark College has really, really been able to help me overcome those fears and doubts and barriers that I faced.”  

Blanco ended her speech by asking the audience to stand up.   

“Stand up because your worth being seen and heard.… your story matters, your voice matters, you matter, and your work is being seen and heard.”  

After graduating from Washington State University Vancouver with a bachelor’s degree in integrated strategic communication, where Blanco served as student body president, she is now working for a local dentist managing a team of employees. She credits her time as a Student Ambassador working under Amy Tam as valuable experience.   

“Amy [Tam] was my boss, and it was the grace that she showed me over and over again that I thought, what am I doing? How I’m showing up, I don’t even know what I’m doing. And it was pretty amazing. I knew I knew how to help and love people, but she showed me grace over and over and that grace today still just reminds me how to show grace to others.”    

Schools can contact the Welcome Center at start@clark.edu to learn about future events, inquire about campus tours, and how to get started at Clark College.  

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Students gathered in the Penguin Student Lounge on January 14 for the Winter Queer Luncheon, an event designed to foster community, connection, and belonging. This term’s guest speaker, Caitlin Malvar (they/them), didn’t come alone—they were joined by their therapy dog, Oso, who has become somewhat of a Clark College celebrity.

Malvar, the Basic Needs Navigator in Clark’s new Basic Needs Hub, delivered an address titled “Be Where Your Feet Are.” Hosted each term by the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, the free luncheon provides a welcoming space for queer students and allies to come together.

About Caitlin Malvar

Growing up with two supportive and competitive parents who had played collegiate sports, Malvar’s life centered around playing basketball—including playing in high school and collegiate basketball at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

But then the pandemic hit. All activities—including basketball—paused. Eventually, when activities slowly started up, Malvar left the team. They earned a master’s degree during COVID. Instead of a joyful commencement ceremony surrounded by classmates, family, and friends, they sat at a laptop and watched their name scroll down the screen.

Words of wisdom from Caitlin

• “Like all of you, COVID gave me downtime to reflect on what was important to me moving forward. After I graduated with my master’s degree, it was the first time that my life wasn’t planned by a basketball coach. I kept getting hung up on the idea that I have lived, breathed, and bled basketball for the last fifteen years of my life. How the hell would I do anything else? Am I anything else?”

• “Then I remembered I was a whole human being before basketball. Sure, my parents taught me to work hard, dedicate myself to my sports, and to win. With time and space to remember who I was before basketball, I remembered they also encouraged me to try new things, to appreciate the outdoors, to learn how to cook from scratch, and to be a great friend.”

• “During the next year, these were going to be the things I was intentional about reincorporating into my life.

With parental pressure to get a real-world job, Malvar decided that rather than move back home to Portland, Oregon to find work, they would stay in Flagstaff, a small city in the northern Arizona mountains. They got a barista job in a small coffee shop.

Malvar said, “In many ways, this small coffee shop gave me my life back.” Then they recited a long list of how their first post-college job impacted their life:

“What could have just been coffee turned out to be…

• Meeting people who would reignite my love for camping.
• Finding my first queer community.
• Trading lattes for freshly harvested vegetables to cook with.
• Discovering my furry best friend, Oso.
• Embracing creativity in new ways
• Mastering the art of pizza-making
• Learning how to live off the grid.
• Meeting the love of my life
• Finding friends who would visit us in Oregon, after we moved away.”

Malvar said, “Even now, I continue to learn that life is not a race. Life is not a competition. Life is not a game that you can win or lose.” And here’s a list of their lessons learned:

“For me, this life is about …

• Building a home with those that I love and trust.
• Gathering friends around a table, sharing endless bowls of soup.
• Learning how to make things with my hands.
• Taking Oso on new adventures so he can have new dreams.
• Embracing my queer self – loving who I am and who I am becoming.
• Becoming more than I ever imagined. And in so many ways, it feels like it’s only just starting.”

Malvar said, “Slowing down and being where my feet were was the single most important thing I did when I finished school.”

Then Malvar invited everyone to visit Oso and them in the Basic Needs Hub.

Learn more about the Basic Needs Hub:

Located at Gaiser Hall GHL 216Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.Contact: 360-992-2766 or email  basicneeds@clark.edu

• Basic Needs Hub Opens
• Why Basic Needs are Essential by Dr. Edwards

Connect with the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (ODEI):

• Diversity Center, Gaiser Hall 214
• 360-992-2292 or email: diversity@clark.edu
• www.clark.edu/cc/diversity

Save the Date: Next DEI luncheons

• February 6 at noon: Students of Color Luncheon in PUB 161
• March 6 at noon: Students with Disability Luncheon in PUB 161

Photos: Clark College/Susan Parrish

Clark College, in partnership with the Washington State Arts Commission, has selected an artist for the Advanced Manufacturing Building for its Boschma Farms campus in Ridgefield, Washington. After a call for artist submissions, the Clark College Art Selection committee selected emerging artist, Sarah Folden to lead a group of artists to create public art for the new campus, expected to open in Fall 2025. 

Clark College President, Dr. Karin Edwards, said, “We are excited that Sarah Folden will be leading a group of talented, Native American artists in creating public art for this building at Clark College at Boschma Farms. I look forward to seeing their art come to life on our new campus.” 

“To say this project could be life changing for me would be an understatement,” said Folden. “More importantly, it would be life changing to the other young lives I connect with and simply an honor to help reflect the college’s partnership with my tribe on this project for the Boschma Farms campus.” 

The committee also has engaged artist and curator RYAN! Feddersen to curate existing artworks to purchase for the building in addition to work that will be created specifically for the space. 

Clark College at Boschma Farms will be similar to the college’s other auxiliary campuses at Columbia Tech Center and Washington State University Vancouver. Clark College at Boschma Farms will offer a variety of programs to serve the community and equip students to complete a program at Clark College and be workforce ready. Eventually, the campus is expected to include classrooms, professional labs, offices, study areas, services and support spaces. Construction of the 48,000 square-foot building will begin June 2023 and is projected to be completed by Winter 2024. Classes are projected to start in Fall 2025. 

About the artists and curator: 

Sarah Folden, a Cowlitz tribal member, creates art inspired by her heritage and ancestral connection to place. Folden’s work is both traditional and contemporary, integrating many mediums and carved block printmaking. After a career in tribal fisheries, she became a self-taught artist who learned Coast Salish design from accomplished indigenous artists Peter Boome and Brian Perry. 

Folden’s public art can be seen in a 26-foot Coast Salish mural at the ferry landing terminal on Orcas Island. Folden has worked on three high school mascot redesigns recently in a Coast Salish style. She is currently illustrating an indigenous foods book, designing multiple murals to be installed Summer of 2023 and has designed huge chandeliers inspired by native hand drums which will be displayed throughout the new ilani Resort Hotel that opened April 24, 2023. She also joined the Membership Board for Whipsmart, Washington State’s only trade association dedicated to supporting the creative community. Folden teaches art to native youth, and volunteers for public art groups supporting environmental and social causes. 

Corbin Jones, a Cowlitz tribal member, is a high school senior whose interests and areas of focus are natural resources and computer sciences. Corbin is studying 3D computer graphics, animation, and commercial art. They have recently found their first professional success in commercial art sales. As a neurodivergent person on the autism spectrum, Corbin has found their place supporting other youth with differences and organizes a weekly art and gaming club offering social opportunities to area kids. 

Brian Perry (Hopi-Cheelth), a Port Gamble S’Klallam tribal member and artist with lineage in Quinault, Suquamish and Makah, learned traditional carving from his grandfather and uncles and became interested in Northwest Coast art when he took classes from David Boxley. He studied with Duane Pasco, Dave Franklin, and Eddie Charles. His work captures the essence of characters from traditional tribal stories. 

Perry transitioned from a 20-year career in fisheries to a successful public artist in 2014 when his small sketch turned into a significant sculpture at his tribe’s new hotel. Creating a scaled drawing and collaborating with a metal shop, Perry’s work became a 46-foot-tall steel sculpture. He has since created two 36-foot Salish sea-going canoes, a 12-foot house post and a 12-foot glass sculpture at the Burke Museum. https://www.northwestcoastalart.com/ 

RYAN! Feddersen’s (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation) public artworks include Inhabitance for the Portland International Airport, Schema for CitizenM Pioneer Square, and Antecedents for the University of Washington. She has curated exhibitions for the Portland Art Muse, New Burke Museum, and Museum of Northwest Art and a collection of artwork for Kamiak Elementary School in Pullman, Washington. http://ryanfeddersen.com/about/ 

About Art in Public Places Program 

Washington State Arts Commission’s Art in Public Places program (AIPP) purchases and cares for artworks in state buildings, colleges, universities, and schools throughout Washington. Its goal is to build and care for a state art collection that is impactful, accessible, valued, and reflects Washington’s diverse communities. Learn more about Washington State Arts Commission: https://www.arts.wa.gov/public-art/ 

About Clark College 

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, 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. 

Learn more: 

Boschma Farms campus: https://www.clark.edu/cc/boschma
Clark College Art Selection committee: https://www.clark.edu/about/governance/public-disclosure-and-records/adminProcedures/800/807/index.php 

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

About 50 people attended the welding department’s open house on the evening of April 28. Students and faculty were on hand to demonstrate welding techniques and to answer questions about the program.

Some high school students who visited the welding open house had attended the college’s CTE programs showcase event with their high schools on April 18. This event gave those students the opportunity to return with their parents to have a close-up look at Clark’s welding program. Professors gave informal tours, and current welding students provided hands-on welding practice and metal bending. Clark’s welding students also answered questions about their experiences studying welding at Clark.

The median hourly wage for a welder in Clark, Cowlitz, and Wahkiakum counties is $23.49, and the median annual wage is $48,856, according to Washington Department of Employment Security Data Department/Data Division.

Clark College’s welding program offers five welding certificate programs and an Associate in Applied Technology degree in Welding Technologies, a two-year degree. Some welding courses are offered in the evening to accommodate students with daytime jobs.

Those interested in enrolling in welding are encouraged to begin the program in the summer, and start with blueprinting, a class that introduces students to the lab and program. This also gives the students an opportunity to get to know each other. Classes start the evening of July 10. To get started, contact the Welcome Center. Students who cannot start in the summer may start any term.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

On September 12, Clark College employees came together to celebrate the start of the 2022-23 academic year, with its first in-person Opening Day since 2019. President Edwards said that although she has been at Clark College for over 2 years, this was the first in-person opening day celebration, and she was loving it!

A video introducing executive cabinet members featured Chris Layfield driving each member around campus with Oswald (Clark College’s penguin mascot). They shared why they work at Clark College and even had a little fun sharing their favorite songs in a short sing-along with Chris and Oswald.

President Edwards presented the progress of the equity-centered strategic plan. To learn more about the process and where we are, visit: https://www.clark.edu/about/governance/strategic_plan/index.php

Based on the institutional priorities and the equity-centered strategic plan, the president’s work plan will guide her efforts into 2023. President Edwards also gave an update on Boschma Farms.

“We are very close to having the design of the building, which will house 5 general purpose classrooms, student support spaces, offices, conference rooms, and of course our advanced manufacturing, high bay area. The facility is smaller than we planned, but we’re still able to accommodate the courses and programs,” she shared.

A new initiative at the college, Clark Cares, was unveiled with a video (https://youtu.be/iPbuvj3ZIVs). It featured some of the things staff can and currently do to show our students we care about them and their Clark experience.

Brad Avakian, vice president of human resources, presented the years of service awards to employees with 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years by reading their names. Employees with service over 25 years were invited to come to the front to receive their certificates. All years of service awards also come with monetary compensation based on the number of years served.

The 30 Year employees honored were: Tina Barsotti, George Cole, Tracy Nehnevaj, Kristeen Nichols, and at 35 Years: Mark Owsley.

Exceptional Faculty Awards

The award honorees were announced at Commencement in June and were honored at Opening Day.

Kathrine Anastasi, libraries, was honored for her work at Larch Corrections to research, develop, and supply the best materials for their library.  

Dr. Amy Castellano, phlebotomy, was honored for her work in the classroom supporting and respecting students, her attention to the wellbeing of her students, and her commitment to students understanding the subjects she was teaching.   

Steven Clark, biology, was honored for his work in the classroom, creating deep interest in biology, openness to learn from his students, and acknowledging their work in meaningful ways.

Erielle Lamb, surveying & geomatics, was honored for her work in the classroom, letting students make mistakes, making complicated calculations fun and interesting, and sharing stories so that students could relate the schoolwork to their planned career. 

Luanne Lundberg, career & academic prep, honored for her work making math understandable even for students with learning disabilities, instilling confidence in her students that would break them out of poverty. She also developed a pathway from CAP to MTH in 2016. She was a co-leader in the collaboration with the math department to develop outcomes and curriculum and kept us student-focused.

Gail Robinson, English, was honored for the extra help she offers her students in and out of the classroom, building their confidence in writing and offering specific, concrete feedback so that her student’s writing skills can grow.

Annual Exceptional Classified Staff Awards

Chris Layfield receiving his award.

Chris Layfield, Admin Services Manager in Security and Safety, was honored for his service to all those who pass through the doors of Gaiser Hall, often guiding them physically to where they need to go or contacting a department or person they need to talk to. Students often have come back to the desk to comment on how Chris’ help is what made them stay at Clark. He has served on hiring committees, the Security and Safety Committee, and the Social Equity Committee and is a WPEA steward,

Jessica Sanders, Program Support Supervisor in Transitional Studies was honored for her work in supporting students and faculty. Her extensive knowledge of Transitional Studies, and providing supplies to students, and finding new ways to do this during the pandemic has been instrumental to students and colleagues. Her exemplary service to students who often speak English as a second language is done with respect and care. She supplies faculty with valuable recruitment and inclusion data to help them better serve their students.

Exceptional Administrative-Exempt Award

Alyssa Voyles, Associate Director of Employee Equity, Outreach, and Engagement in the Office of Diversity and Equity, was honored for her work in coordinating events, stepping in to help the ODEI team, adding new workshops, supporting others through co-facilitating of workshops, and her dedication to equity. She also has been instrumental in working beyond her team by stepping in as interim director of communications in Communications and Marketing, serving on the Boschma Farms team, and helping staff form Employee Resource Groups (ERG) to help build a stronger community and sense of belonging to Clark College

Lora Whitfield Social Equity Award

Christina Smith and Cydney Topping worked together to create and co-lead the Anti-Racism Faculty Learning Community (FLC) in the English Department. This FLC is based on cutting-edge research on anti-racism and culturally responsive teaching. Their research, conducted in the Fall term and implemented in Winter and Spring, is at the highest levels of data-informed education. 

While faculty are the intended recipients of this service they provide, students will be the true beneficiaries. In following their leads, implementing the strategies they are sharing, and continuing our own growth as faculty, the field of English Studies, including rhetoric and composition, will overcome centuries of implicit bias and colonial mindset that faculty in English have felt duty bound to uphold in the service of other programs, despite our qualms about the inequities of “Standard Written English” as a marker of academic achievement. 

Opening Day at Clark

The event included refreshments provided by iQ Credit Union, Welcome Week shirts, Clark Cares buttons, and information from the “O Squad.” Additionally, there was an opportunity to have employee photos taken and visit with colleagues. The Clark College Foundation also provided lunch from Big Town Hero and Kona Ice at the Anderson Fountain.

Opening Day is part of a multi-day orientation and training for faculty organized by the Clark College Teaching and Learning Center (TLC). The Keynote address was given on Tuesday, September 13, by Melissa Williams, Policy Associate/ Interim Director for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion, and Clark College alumnus.

Photos: Jenny Shadley/Clark College
More photos from this event can be found on Flickr.

Clark College honored its 86th graduating class at the 2022 Clark College Commencement ceremony held Thursday evening, June 16, at the RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater. The college conferred over 1,900 degrees and certificates for the next generation of our community’s workers, leaders, and scholars.  

The ceremony featured remarks written by President Dr. Karin Edwards and focused on the power of persistence and resilience, “It’s the power of persistence that builds resiliency. It’s a power that assures you can overcome any challenge.”  

Highlights from this year’s ceremony include:  

• Approximately 550 of the college’s 1,965 graduates participated in the commencement ceremony. 
• This year’s graduating class included 319 Running Start graduates.  
• The college conferred its first Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity degrees at the ceremony. This comes on the heels of announcing its 5th BAS degree program, the Bachelor of Applied Science in Teacher Education.  
• The ceremony honored students graduating with bachelor’s or associate degrees and those earning certificates, high school diplomas, and/or GED completion.  
• During the ceremony, Vice President of Instruction Paul Wickline announced the recipients of the 2022 Exceptional Faculty Awards: libraries professor Katy Anastasi; phlebotomy professor Dr. Amy Castellano; biology professor Steven Clark; surveying and geomatics professor Erielle Lamb; and English professor Gail Robinson.
• The student speaker was Associate of Arts degree recipient Alex Reid.  

2021-2022 Community College Presidents’ Award

Graduate Madelyn Hennerty was the recipient of the 2021-2022 Community College Presidents’ Award in Honor of Val Ogden. This annual scholarship is given to a Clark College graduate who demonstrates leadership potential, a commitment to community service, and academic achievement. The scholarship award provides full-time tuition at Washington State University Vancouver (WSUV) and is renewable for one additional year, essentially providing full tuition to complete a bachelor’s degree. Hennerty is an excellent example of the resiliency and tenacity of first-generation college degree earners. She worked throughout high school to help support her family and eventually saved enough to pay for her first year of tuition at Clark College.  

Photographs

Video of the Ceremony

The Tod & Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute will boast an artisanal bakery, barista station, and comfortable seating.

On May 16 and 17, faculty from Clark College’s new Cuisine Management and Baking and Pastry Arts programs answered questions from the college community about how those programs would affect Clark when they re-opened in fall 2017.

Clark’s Culinary Arts – Cooking/Restaurant Management program was put on hiatus in 2013 in order to modernize the curriculum and facilities. The Culinary Arts – Baking/Bakery Management program was put on hiatus in 2015, when it was determined that the program could not continue running while the culinary facilities were being remodeled. Thanks to fundraising efforts by Clark College Foundation, the Tod and Maxine McClaskey Culinary Institute will open in fall 2017, housing both programs as well as dining facilities for the main campus.

Sneak peek inside the McClaskey Culinary Institute during construction, showing the windows that will look into the baking and chocolate-production kitchens.

While existing in approximately the same location on the north side of Gaiser Hall, the new dining space will bear little resemblance to the old college cafeteria. It will feature comfortable seating, plenty of natural light from tall windows, and internal windows that look onto the Baking and Pastry Arts kitchens. Four food kiosks will serve patrons: a grab-and-go kiosk; Pacific Northwest cuisine; international fare; and a kiosk serving rotating cook-to-order items based on seasonality and curriculum that can also be used for guest chefs and lectures. Additionally, a retail bakery will serve all the treats and breads that patrons remember (plus some fun new ones) as well as coffee and espresso. Bakery students will be learning barista techniques in their curriculum, and faculty are currently working with local coffee roasters to possibly create a custom Clark College blend.

Because the dining facilities’ staff will include work-study students and a full-time manager, the kiosks will be able to serve customers during breaks and evenings, instead of adhering to the limited hours of the old cafeteria.

A full-service restaurant run by second-year Cuisine Management students will open in 2018. Faculty shared that, in addition to working with farmers to source food locally when possible, the institute will offer special seasonally themed foods and international cuisine.

The east side of the dining area will feature large windows and space for outdoor seating. 

The kitchen side of the facility is also being significantly re-imagined and modernized to improve efficiency and to give students a better understanding of modern work environments in their fields. The new facilities were designed with significant input from the faculty and staff who will be working in them, including Bakery and Pastry Arts professor Alison Dolder, Cuisine lead instructor Earl Frederick, Cuisine professor Aaron Guerra, and Cuisine instructor Daryl Oest.

During one of the open forums, Dolder said that she is already exploring options for partnering with the Penguin Pantry, an on-campus food pantry scheduled to open this summer to serve food-insecure students. A similar idea on the table is to create a “pay it forward” system where patrons could pay for vouchers for drinks and snacks that could be distributed to students through the Penguin Pantry—something that will be much easier to do since the new dining area, unlike the old cafeteria, will be fully computerized and able to accept credit cards.

Employee climate surveys have routinely registered dissatisfaction with the dining options on campus. Genevieve Howard, Dean of Workforce, Professional and Technical Education, said that the McClaskey Institute would provide the campus with the food service employees have been asking for. “We heard you loud and clear,” she said.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

Architectural drawing: Yost Grube Hall

On May 16, the Archer Gallery was filled with visitors to the opening of the 2017 Art Student Annual Exhibition. This yearly event showcases the best artwork produced by Clark art students in the past academic year. Students compete not only for a spot in the show, but also for awards sponsored by local businesses and organizations. This year’s outside juror was Karl Burkheimer, head of the Master of Fine Arts program at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. Awards are listed below.

The exhibition is on display through June 16. The Archer Gallery is open 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays, and noon to 5:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

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• Best in Show, sponsored by Blick Art Materials
  Ana Stoumbos, Figure Study, oil on paper
• Most Ambitious, sponsored by Portland Institute for Contemporary Art
  Meakia Blake, Connect, video
• Solo Show Award, sponsored by Niche Wine Bar
  Matt Harmon, Marsyes V. Apollo: Diana, oil on canvas
• Best Painting or Drawing, sponsored by Clark Bookstore and Dengerink Art Supply
  Leah Adams, A Netherhole, oil on canvas
• 2nd Place Award, Painting or Drawing, sponsored by Clark Bookstore and Blick Art Materials
  Ray Bennett, Self-portrait in Ink, ink on paper
• 3rd Place Award, Paiting or Drawing sponsored by Clark Bookstore
  Julie Foley, Zelda Series, metal
• Best Video or Time-based Art, sponsored by Artist & Craftsman Supply
  Ana Stoumbos, Transit, video
• 2nd place Video or Time-based Art, sponsored by Collage Art and Craft Supplies
  Jonno Heyne, Paradoxial Adventures of Grayman II, ink marker and digital graphics
• Best Graphic Arts, sponsored by the Art Gym at Marylhurst University
  Tricia Davis-Payne, Do You Know, digital illustration
• Best Welded Sculpture, sponsored by Clark Welding Department
  Marie Perrin Ogier, Untitled, metal
• Best Photography, sponsored by Pro Photo Supply
  Isiah Huntington, Expansivity, digital photograph
• Newspace Scholarship Award, sponsored by Newspace Center for Photography
  Jennifer Avens, Omnia Mors Aequat, silver gelatin print
• 2nd Place Photography Award, sponsored by Pro Photo Supply
  Dayna Bojanowski, Under, digital photograph
• 3rd Place Photography Award, sponsored by Blue Moon Camera
  Matthew Philbrook, Forgotten, black and white photograph
• Blue Sky Membership Award, sponsored by Blue Sky, the Oregon Center for the Photographic Arts
  Kelly Pearce, Pieces of Home, photographs
• Best Ceramic Art, sponsored by Clay Art Center
  Lauren Duquette, Blue Pitcher, ceramic
• 2nd Place Ceramic Art, sponsored by Georgie’s Ceramics and Clay
  Aleks Dernovoy, Mechanical Tulip, ceramic
• 3rd place Ceramic Art, sponsored by Georgie’s Ceramics and Clay
  Stephani Ueltschi, Pressure, ceramic
• 4th place Ceramic Art, sponsored by Georgie’s Ceramics and Clay
  Colton Rasanen, Planter, ceramic

Photography by Clark College/Jenny Shadley. More photos on our Flickr page.

On May 1, members of the Clark community gathered in Gaiser Student Center to celebrate the college’s newest tenured faculty members. Dr. Lindsay Christopher (English), Michael Ludwig (dental hygiene), Brian McVay (welding), Alexis Nelson (English), Tobias Peterson (English), Mary Ellen Pierce (nursing), and Lora Whitfield (early childhood education) were all granted tenure during the Clark College Board of Trustees meeting on March 14. The event also provided occasion to celebrate two new deans. Dr. Brenda Walstead and Jim Wilkins-Luton had been serving as interim deans of Business and Health Occupations and Transitional Studies, English, Communications and Humanities, respectively, but were recently appointed to those positions in a permanent capacity.

2017 Tenured Faculty

Michael Ludwig, Alexis Nelson, Brian McVay, Lora Whitfield, Toby Peterson, Mary Ellen Pierce, and Dr. Lindsay Christopher.

Tenured Faculty Reception

Tenured Faculty Reception

Miles Jackson and Lora Whitfield

Tenured Faculty Reception

Genevieve Howard and Brian McVay.

Tenured Faculty Reception

Michael Ludwig, Breda Walstead, and Mary Ellen Pierce

Tenured Faculty Reception

Jim Wilkins-Luton, Alexis Nelson, Dr. Lindsay Christopher, and Toby Peterson

Tenured Faculty Reception

Signing congratulations cards for the newly tenured faculty

Tenured Faculty Reception

Jack Burkman, Michael Ludwig, Alexis Nelson, Brian McVay, Lora Whitfield, Toby Peterson, Mary Ellen Pierce, Dr. Lindsay Christopher, and Dr. Tim Cook

To read more about the newly tenured faculty, read our article announcing their tenure. To see more photos of the event, visit our Flickr album.

Photos: Clark College/Jenny Shadley

The Next Step: An exhibition of work created by alumni from the Ceramics Area at Clark College.

On February 22, several Clark College alumni gathered in the Frost Art Center’s lobby gallery during the reception for their collective show, “The Next Step.” The brainchild of art professor Lisa Conway, the show highlights the achievements of former students in the college’s ceramics.

“I feel really kind of flabbergasted to be doing this,” said Trish Bottemiller ’15, gazing at a fellow alumna’s delicately painted bowl. “It’s so nice to be back to see what everybody else from Clark is doing.”

Bottemiller said that her time at Clark was “a huge influence” on her artistic path. “I had never touched clay before I came to Clark,” she said. “Clark definitely prepared me to continue my education at [the Oregon College of Art and Craft]. My portfolio was approved before I even applied, because I was so thoroughly prepared for what I was up against.”

The show runs through March 25 and is part of Clark’s programming during the upcoming National Council for Education in the Ceramic Arts conference in Portland in March. According to the show’s opening statement, “Collectively, these 10 artists have all found employment in their field, built their own studios, completed residences, internships, mentorships, or transferred on to other undergraduate and graduate programs in ceramic arts. Most importantly, they have all created their own communities for sharing resources, advice and inspiration along the way.”

Read more about the artists, in their own words:

Elizabeth Alexander
Trisha Bottemiller
Jordan Jones
KeigKenzie Studios
Hector Macias
Yelena Roslaya
Lauren Ruhe
Aleka Tomlinson
Alyssa Willard

LIZ ALEXANDER

I applied to Clark College exclusively to take ceramics classes, and eight short months after enrolling I finally got the chance to sign up for Ceramics I and rapidly became obsessed with clay. Ceramics II and III quickly followed, as well as a Special Projects class so I could continue working with clay beyond the typical class projects. When the time came to graduate from Clark, the thought of losing access to the equipment and supplies (that were now essential to my practice and I couldn’t afford on my own) was worrying to say the least. Fortunately, one of my ceramics teachers strongly suggested that I apply to Oregon College of Art and Craft and to my astonishment I was accepted.

I am now in my thesis year at OCAC and my studio practice has changed a lot from what I thought it would be. When I started making work I didn’t understand the environmental effect that just creating a piece of art can have. I thought nothing of buying supplies for a new project or what my pieces were made of. With each year that I have been in school, however, I’ve gained more knowledge about the responsibilities of being an artist. For me, being a responsible artist means having an awareness of the materials that I use in my work and using as much recycled and eco-friendly supplies as possible, including found objects. I still have a lot to learn to reach the type of working practice that I want to achieve, but this is my way of continuing to create without feeling like I am just producing objects to clutter up the world we live in.

TRISH BOTTEMILLER

When I first came to Clark, I was determined to be a drawing/painting major. That was what I had done, and been good at, my entire life. One fateful semester, though, I found myself in a ceramics class as an elective. It changed my life, and eventually became my major. I transferred from Clark to the Oregon College of Art and Craft, where I currently study for my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ceramics. The transition from the familiar, community space of Clark’s ceramics department was a bit scary and it took some time to really feel at home in my new school. I’m learning so much, and I’ve had the most amazing exposure to an entirely art-based community thanks to OCAC. It has forever changed who I am as a person and as an artist. I never imagined I would be making the things that I am. Currently, I’m very invested in both figurative sculpture, and mold-made slip-cast objects using a marbling technique that I have become rather obsessed with. I have the amazing opportunity to create not only my own glazes, but my own clay bodies. Lately, much of my mold-made objects are cast using a cone 10 translucent porcelain that has been a learning experience to work with. I look forward to learning even more. It is never enough.

JORDAN JONES

I left Clark College to pursue a three-year apprenticeship with Robbie Lobell and Cook on Clay on Whidbey Island. I was thoroughly excited, completely nervous, and definitely overwhelmed as I left Clark in a whirlwind heading for my new adventure in clay. This opportunity allowed me to continue to work in ceramics after Clark, and also gave me the tools to continue working in clay after the apprenticeship was over. I was immersed in the day-to-day aspects of the life of a studio potter, along with learning how a small business in artisan manufacturing runs and grows. I had a studio space and Robbie’s mentorship, which greatly helped me develop my voice and style. After completing my apprenticeship, I worked at Cook on Clay as an employee before taking the plunge and committing to working for myself full-time as a studio potter. I currently continue to live on Whidbey, sharing a house and home studio with my studio mate from my apprenticeship. I create functional pottery with playful and lively animals carved onto my pots. Like many other potters, I believe that using handmade objects brings joy to people in their daily lives. I want my pots to delight the people that use them. I use a stoneware clay that I decorate with sgraffito and slip inlay, soda-fired to cone 10. I am interested in exploring cone 6 electric firing again and plan to start experimenting with that soon.

I think one of the biggest resources for continuing to work in ceramics has been getting involved in my clay community. There are so many wonderful and knowledgeable people out there. Also, the “Field Guide for Ceramic Artisans” compiled by Julia Galloway, is a fabulous resource chock-full of valuable, helpful information. My advice for students at Clark who want to continue their pursuits would be to put yourself out there as much as you can. Become involved in your clay community, and get to know the people around you. Apply to shows, call for entries, and galleries. Research and pursue different ways to continue your education, whether it be undergrad, grad school, residencies, workshops, assistantships, or apprenticeships. There are so many different ways to continue on your path, find out what works for you.

KEIGKENZIE STUDIO: SAM MACKENZIE & KELLY KEIGWIN

We both began our journey with ceramics at Clark College, Sam in 2003 and Kelly in 2010. Upon exiting we knew we wanted to continue to create pottery, but didn’t know it would become our primary form of expression. We had the common questions of how and where to keep working, since we couldn’t immediately build a ceramics studio of our own. Sam continued her education at Oregon College of Art and Craft, which lead to teaching art classes for children. After we met, Sam recommended Kelly join her working at OCAC which brought Kelly back into a ceramics studio.

Sam was able to seek out and purchase used items to start a home studio, including an ancient Skutt kiln and a Pacifica wheel. We’ve had to learn along the way about repairing and keeping used studio equipment running. We recently upgraded to a larger, newer used Skutt kiln, but it’s taken a while. We learned many things by working with other potters at OCAC and by visiting Georgie’s in Portland. For those who can’t buy their own equipment, it is possible to work and have your pieces fired at Georgie’s, at community centers, and even at other artists’ studios for a fee.

We’re fortunate to have a home studio. It is nothing fancy, but it gets the job done. Our advice to students who want to continue pursing art after graduation is to make sure you know your resources. Don’t be afraid to be scrappy. There are many paths to take with art, particularly ceramics and pottery. Do you want to be in gallery shows? Do you want to be a studio potter? Do you want to be an educator? OCAC is a good option for continued learning and access to equipment – either by seeking a degree or simply signing up for an evening class.

We have both taken meandering paths in life, in general and artistically. We both have many years of experience working in various media, but pottery has become a natural way for us to work collaboratively and sell work to support ourselves. Generally speaking, Sam throws on the wheel, while Kelly throws, does some slab work and hand building. Kelly carves imagery on the pieces and we both work on glazing. Our work is mostly cone 6 porcelain and features colorful characters that reflect both the lighter side of human experiences and connect with personal emotions. We often feature hearts and themes of companionship – a reflection of the happiness and love we all long for. We find that people connect with these images personally, in a way that evokes positive feelings and simple joy.

HECTOR MACIAS

It started with a pottery class in high school. The art credit I desired went on to fulfill its purpose and more. With an interest in ceramics, I found myself in the pottery studio at Clark College. During this time, I had the opportunity to learn and explore more about ceramics than I could ever imagine. After leaving Clark, I ran into one of the problems every ceramic student would face, studio space. Luckily, Oregon and Washington both have great ceramic communities with great opportunities. I became involved with the Oregon Potter’s Association and found studios to temporarily work in. It wasn’t until a few months later that I bought my first potter’s wheel and now I happily work in my studio at home.

My style of ceramic work is largely influenced by Japanese pottery. The wares that I create are wheel thrown from porcelain or on occasion from red clay bodies. I’m a big fan of using celadon glazes and glazes with a lot of flux. My work is almost always made to be functional. There’s nothing like eating and drinking from handmade wares. If you have never used a pottery wheel I encourage you to try it sometime. You might find the experience to be very therapeutic.

YELENA ROSLAYA

My immediate feelings after leaving Clark College were nervous and excited at the same time. I was nervous not knowing what was ahead of me or what was going to unfold in terms of my artistic career. I was also excited because it was like an adventure where I couldn’t predict what was going to happen. After leaving Clark College, I transferred immediately to Oregon College of Art and Craft, where I focused on Ceramics. Four years later, I graduated with a BFA from OCAC and am now assisting ceramic artist Careen Stoll in Battle Ground. At OCAC, I pushed myself and worked beyond academia. I tried to take every job opportunity or call to artist that came up that pertained to me. This led me to be a step ahead above my peers as well as access some great collaborations I didn’t expect.

My ceramic work is evolved around sound, musical instruments, and my personal experience with hearing-motion synesthesia. My style tends to be formed intuitively and I love to use colorful underglazes and crawling glazes that contrast each other. It gives the work energy and motion as if it’s alive. I currently share a studio space with Careen Stoll, where we share ideas, advice, and helpful information. It’s a two-way mentoring atmosphere. My personal advice for ceramic or art students who want to continue their pursuit after graduation is to keep going, to continue looking and applying and never give up.

LAUREN RUHE

After completion of my AFA at Clark College, I continued my education at The Oregon College of Art and Craft (OCAC). While attending OCAC, I focused on improving my techniques, as well as on finding my own voice and style for my work. I also developed new and useful skills, such as how to make my own glazes, different methods of firing clay, and digging up local clay in order to process it into a usable material.

A frequent theme that I use in my work is the memory of the place where I grew up. I spent my childhood in a thickly-wooded area located outside of Vancouver, Washington, where I encountered wildlife daily. The forest was a mysterious and magical place that was full of life, and also seemed much bigger than anything I could have ever imagined. I encountered forest animals daily, and my family even named some of the frequent visitors to our yard. These forest friends have been the main focus of my current work.

ALEKA TOMLINSON

After taking ceramics courses at Clark College as part of the Running Start Program in 2006, I transferred into a BFA program at the Oregon College of Art and Craft. After that I took a hiatus from clay and made work privately in book format through drawing and painting. A job opportunity as studio technician at Pigeon Toe Ceramics in Portland brought me back to clay. I quickly grew from my position as a studio tech to a full time production potter and operations manager. During this time, I was able to make connections with local artists in Portland and began working as an assistant to artists Lilith Rockett in ceramics and Andy Paiko in glass.

In 2015 I was accepted by the Ash Street Project in Portland, a ceramics mentorship program run by Thomas Orr and Joanna Bloom. I was fortunate to spend 11 months sharing a studio with Thomas and Joanna, three other mentees, and a number of visiting artists including Jean Nicolas Gerard, Eva Kwong, Jessica Jackson-Hutchins, Dirk Staschke, Jennifer Kenworth, Michelle Liccardo, and my teacher from Clark, Lisa Conway. During my time at Ash Street I took advantage of the dedicated studio space and found my voice as a ceramic artist. Upon leaving in the summer of 2016, I moved into a private home studio and worked part time as assistant to ceramic artist Brian Jones. That fall I assisted artists Birdie Boone and Matt Repsher during an 8-week concentration at Penland School of Craft in North Carolina, after which I returned home to Portland to continue work in my own studio, while assisting artists Brian Jones and Victoria Christen.

ALYSSA WILLARD

After leaving Clark I was excited to continue my education in the arts. I went on to complete my BFA at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, and am currently working towards my MFA at Montana State University in Bozeman, with a focus on both ceramics and painting. Montana State University has great studio spaces and equipment. There are wood-fired kilns, electric kilns, gas-fired, and soda/salt kilns all available for me to use. It is also great because I am surrounded by so many talented artists who work in a variety of mediums; their work inspires me and I can get quality feedback on my work from both the faculty and other graduate students. My advice for other art students that want to continue their pursuits is to continue to network, and actively participate in the art scene in some way, whether it’s through school, residencies, commissions, or call-for-entries.

Currently my work explores the interactions between technology and the natural environment. I am interested in the combination of plant forms with electronic or mechanical components. My work can be interpreted in different ways, and I am starting to be more interested in the viewer’s interpretation, rather than describing how I view the work. I use a combination of techniques depending on the form I am looking to create. I have also been experimenting with firing techniques. I mostly electric fire, but I also do wood and salt firings. So far the wood and salt firings have only been used exclusively for functional pieces. I have also been experimenting with room-temperature finishes, such as using spray paint and resin.