Clark College Foundation Spotlights the Arts
Vancouver Arts & Music Festival builds community with local music, arts
Clark College Foundation took center stage at the opening night of the Vancouver Arts & Music Festival (VAMF) this summer, debuting as the event’s Programming Collaborator and infusing the evening with energy, culture, and community.
The Foundation’s concert in Esther Short Park on the first night of the festival had everyone dancing from the very first beat. Festivalgoers were treated to the groundbreaking Inuit-soul of Pamyua, followed by the electrifying Latin Jazz of Tito Puente, Jr. & his Orchestra, who was accompanied by two Clark College Jazz students—Ian Arellano-Mendez and Parker Bruning. Both acts were handpicked to showcase the breadth of cultural artistry that Clark College Foundation champions.
Pictured: Ian Arellano-Mendez (left) and Parker Bruning (right)
Clark College Foundation also orchestrated the US premiere of Quebec’s Kif-Kif Sisters and the playful pop-up antics of Clown Garage. Attendees couldn’t stop talking about the perfectly timed comedy routines that sprang up spontaneously throughout the festival, reminding us that the Foundation’s role extended beyond sponsorship. It’s about crafting moments of surprise and delight for the community we live and work in. These acts made their Vancouver debut thanks to CCF’s involvement at VAMF.
The City of Vancouver and the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra put on an excellent program for the rest of the weekend. Friday’s orchestral showcase under Maestro Salvador Brotons featured Mark & Maggie O’Connor performing original concertos that blended skill with emotion. Maggie’s fiddle intertwined with Mark’s composition, drawing an enthusiastic response from the audience.
Saturday’s program proved equally exciting: Renée Fleming transformed the amphitheater into an opera house, her crystalline soprano giving fresh life to the classics while the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra backed her. Before the orchestra tuned up, the Vancouver Symphony Youth Virtuosi, guided by Maestros Schwarz and Ken Selden and joined by Zuill Bailey, delivered a stirring prelude that showcased the next generation of musical talent in Southwest Washington.
On Sunday, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA took center stage once again under the baton of Maestro Gerard Schwarz to present the incomparable Sharon Isbin, whose performance became a triumphant celebration of musical innovation and mentorship.
Throughout the weekend, festivalgoers enjoyed performances from every corner of the park. The Kif-Kif Sisters’ acrobatic comedy had children giggling and adults marveling as the duo somersaulted through hilarious sketches that blended slapstick with genuine athleticism. Clown Garage brought surprise and whimsy in unexpected ways: one moment, participants admired a juried gallery of multidisciplinary art at the Hilton; the next, they were laughing with a pop-up troupe featuring a Grammy winner and Cirque du Soleil alum. Interactive installations invited everyone to play, creating personal memories against a backdrop of live music, lawn games, and spontaneous dance circles.
As the final notes faded on Sunday evening, it was clear that this collaboration between
the City of Vancouver, Vancouver Symphony Orchestra USA, and Clark College Foundation
proved to be about more than entertainment. By spotlighting local and global artists,
from Latin jazz legends to rising student virtuosi, the festival not only celebrated
artistic excellence but wove the community tighter together. Attendees left inspired,
already looking forward to next year’s celebration of creativity, connection, and
community through the arts. 
Pictured: Clown Garage
Join the Fun at the Flynn Creek Circus
Clark College Foundation is excited to continue engaging with the community this fall. In October, the Flynn Creek Circus is coming to Clark College. Audiences can expect jaw-dropping stunts, whimsical comedy, and an unforgettable performance under the Big Top Tent. Opening night is extra special as 100% of ticket sales will benefit Clark College Athletics scholarships, helping student-athletes pursue their education and dreams. Learn more and purchase tickets for the circus here.
Learn More About Clark College Foundation
Clark College Foundation is an independent, self-governed nonprofit partnered with Clark College to broaden access to higher education and strengthen community engagement. The Foundation strives to advance student success and program excellence for educational opportunities to be accessible to all at Clark College. Each year, the Foundation provides critical funding through scholarships, program support, and financial aid. In the 2024-25 academic year alone, Clark College Foundation awarded more than $1.8 million in scholarships, special awards, and financial support to over 700 Clark students. Altogether, the Foundation provided over $5.1 million in support of students, programs and capital projects. Among its initiatives are support for first-generation students, veterans and military-affiliated learners, and basic needs programs like the Penguin Pantry. Learn more on the Clark College Foundation’s website.