Clark College welcomes artist Christian Barrios to lead community mural project

For Immediate Release 
November 9, 2023

For additional information (media inquiries & photo requests):
Jenny Shadley, Clark College Communications & Marketing  
T: 360-992-2051   E: jshadley@clark.edu 
Maureen Chan-Hefflin, Clark College Communications & Marketing 
T: 360-992-2243 E: mhefflin@clark.edu 

Public invited to participate in painting the mural “Coming Together for Art and Peace” 

Vancouver, Wash. – Clark College welcomes muralist Christian Barrios, a Clark College graduate, to lead the community in creating a mural project during International Education Week from November 13 to 15. The completed mural will be displayed on campus beginning in February. 

Mural painting details: 

• When: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. from Mon., Nov. 13 to Wed., Nov. 15 
• Where: PUB 161, Clark College, 1933 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Wash. 
• Materials: Provided by Christian Barrios 
• Process: Barrios will paint an outline on the panels before the event. Community members are invited to pick up a paintbrush and paint a section of the mural.  
• Unveiling event: The completed mural will be unveiled on campus on February 13, 2024, coinciding with International Day. Details will be announced at a later date. 
• Artist presentation: Christian Barrios will speak about the project at the opening of the event Monday, November 13 at 10:00 a.m. 

This mural project represents an opportunity for the Clark College community to come together, celebrate diversity, and promote the values of international unity and peace. Barrios, a Clark College alum, brings a connection and passion to this project, ensuring its resonance with the college and the local community. 

Clark College encourages students, staff, faculty, alumni, and the wider community to participate in this inspiring event, adding their brushstrokes to a masterpiece that embodies unity in diversity. The final mural will be a symbol of shared commitment to global harmony. 

Special thanks to supporters Fourth Plain Forward, La Casita Art Gallery and Cultural Center, and the Community Foundation for Southwest Washington. 

Posters for the event: PDF  or  JPG

About Christian Barrios

An accomplished artist and muralist, Barrios’ artwork has made a significant impact on the Vancouver community. A graduate of Clark College, Barrios is deeply committed to promoting unity and diversity through his artwork, collaborating with organizations including Fourth Plain Forward and La Casita Cultural Center. 

Born in Mexico City, he learned ceramic painting in the historic Talavera tradition from his family's business. At 16, he moved to the United States, expanding his skills under master marquetry artist Gene Zanni and exploring painting, paper mâché, and photography.  

Active in the Oregon and Washington Latino art scene, Barrios’ work has been exhibited in venues including the Portland Art Museum and the Dalles Art Center. His art resides in private collections across Mexico, Canada, California, Oregon, and Washington. 

Devoted to community impact, Barrios collaborates with organizations like the Regional Arts and Culture Council's Right Brain Initiative and the Hombres Honor Program. He's the driving force behind La Casita Art Gallery and Cultural Center, a hub promoting diversity and inclusion for LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and neurodivergent communities. 

Barrios’ recent mural on East Fourth Plain Boulevard illustrates his commitment to enhancing neighborhoods by celebrating diverse cultures through art. His work beautifully bridges cultural divides, making him a remarkable artist and community advocate.  

About Clark College  

Founded in 1933 and celebrating its 90th year, Clark College is Southwest Washington’s largest public institution of higher education and serves over 8,000 students per term. Clark provides residents of Southwest Washington with affordable, high-quality academic and technical 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.     

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 by phone: 360-992-2105 or email: hr@clark.edu. 

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