Cultural Events

Public Service Presentations
College staff members organize a wide variety of programs that are open to and the general public. They include:

Studium Generale—Lectures, forums, performances, and discussions are presented Thursdays in the Little Theater. Topics represent a variety of interests in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and global issues and are designed to contribute to a liberal arts education.

Foothills Writers Series—Readings by poets and writers of local, regional, and national note. Each quarter an “Open Mic” program gives students and other area writers an opportunity to share their poetry and prose.

Writer-in-Residence—Past writers include David Guterson, James Welch, Tim McNulty, Tess Gallagher, Robert Pyle, Debra Magpie Earling, Rick Bass, Mary Clearman Blew, Dan O’Brien, Jacqui Banaszynski, Anna Castillo, Nancy Rawles, Carol Cassella, Lucia Perello, Jane Mead, and Cristina Garcia.

Cultural Enrichment Drama/Music
Dramatic and musical productions performed in the College’s Little Theater and Maier Performance Hall are a natural part of college courses. Additional opportunities for participation are available to students through Community Players, Port Angeles Symphony, Community Chorus, Olympic Theatre Arts, and numerous instrumental and vocal ensembles in the community.

ʔaʔkʷustəŋáwtxʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse 
Built in 2007, ʔaʔkʷustəŋáwtxʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse was the first longhouse in the nation built on a community college campus. It was created in collaboration with the six area tribal nations: Hoh River Chalat’, Quileute, Makah, Port Gamble S’Klallam, Jamestown S’Klallam, and Lower Elwha Klallam. The Longhouse builds bridges of understanding and knowledge among tribes, students, educators, and visitors by establishing a special place on campus to gather for cultural ceremonies, community events, classes, workshops, study groups, and individual study. The Longhouse serves as a cultural and educational resource for understanding, honoring, and sharing our cultural heritages.

The Longhouse Art Gallery features exhibits by Native artists and provides a space for artists to share their work and culture with Peninsula College students, faculty, staff, community members, and visitors. Tribal artwork is featured throughout the Peninsula College campus. For more information, contact longhouse@pencol.edu or (360) 417-7992.