College faculty and staff members organize a wide variety of programs that are open to both students 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 both local and global issues, and are designed to contribute to both the cultural life of the community and the role of the college in providing its students a strong 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—The Writer-in-Residence program brings writers of different genres to campus each spring, where they share their experiences during lectures, discussions and other events throughout the week. Past writers include John Vaillant, 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.
- Magic of Cinema Film Festivals—Throughout the year, various film festivals take place on campus, including the Moving Pictures Festival, the All-IN Film Festival (in collaboration with Clallam Mosaic), the Very Short Film Festival, and others.
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 six area Tribal Nations: Hoh, 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 for all students and community members to meet, study, and interact. The Longhouse serves as a cultural and educational resource for understanding, honoring, and sharing.
The Longhouse Art Gallery features rotating exhibits and provides a space for artists to share their work, traditions, 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.