Tibetan Sand Mandala Event
The sand mandala returns to Clark College
February 23 – 27, 2026
Join us as we welcome a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks from South India who will be visiting Clark College to construct a Sand Mandala in Cannell Library from February 23-27, 2026. This is a free event & open to the community!
This project can be appreciated simply as a piece of "time-based art." But, according to Tibetan Buddhist belief, the creation of a Sand Mandala is meant to create a profound experience of Compassion. The positive effects of a Sand Mandala are believed to radiate out over an entire region, blessing the environment and the beings therein, as an effort for world peace. Once created, the Sand Mandala is destroyed in the Closing Ceremony, as a lesson in the impermanence of all life. The opening and closing ceremonies are very popular, featuring traditional Tibetan Buddhist chanting and music.
This event is being held in the week of International Education Day, Thursday, February 26, 2026, 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. in Gaiser Student Center.
Monday, February 23
9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. Opening Ceremony
9:30 – 6:30 p.m. Mandala construction
Tuesday and Wednesday, February 24-25
9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sand Mandala Construction
Thursday, February 26
9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Sand Mandala Construction
2:00 - 3:00 p.m. Sacred Tibetan Art presentation, Cannell Room/Library 101
Friday, February 27:
9:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Sand Mandala Construction
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Closing Ceremony
3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Sand disbursal at Vancouver Waterfront Park*
*Transportation & parking fees are not provided.
View photos from 2020 and 2012.
Maps and directions 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 Email: hr@clark.edu