Clatsop Community College
1653 Jerome, Astoria OR 97103
For immediate release
Contact: Lenore Mossisson (503) 338-2473

CCC’s Arts & Ideas Awarded a ‘Salute to Success’

The Arts & Ideas program at Clatsop Community College received good news this month that it was selected as the October Salute to Success winner by the Oregon School Board Association (OSBA). From North Coast Chorale and Symphonic Band performances, to a Young Choreographer’s Showcase, to a local violinist who transforms on the stage into a wild stomping creature with skirts and hair flying, Clatsop Community College’s Arts and Ideas program was recognized for its efforts to bring diverse and exciting performances to the community.

CCC’s Arts & Ideas program was selected for the award because, according to the OSBA, it “walks the talk when it comes to encouraging continuing learning and achievement throughout the community.”

Arts & Ideas draws upon community talent for its programming, including area high school students, and also works with community groups such as the River Theater in Astoria, the Coaster Theatre in Cannon Beach, the Sunset Empire Parks and Recreation District in Seaside and the Lower Columbia Hispanic Council to provide benefits to students, the community and local artists. Arts & Ideas also hosts performances in CCC’s own Performing Arts Center, which boasts incredible acoustics and an inviting ambience.
“Living in a small rural community places limits on our exposure to artistic and cultural diversity, especially for our children,” said Lenore Morrisson, Arts and Ideas Program Coordinator. “We need to provide these opportunities to enrich and enhance our quality of life as we work to keep our community strong and flourishing—after all, what is life but culture and art.”

Arts & Ideas has many exciting programs in store for the coming year. In addition to music, dance and theater, Arts & Ideas will continue its summer concert series and will offer public lectures by the college’s faculty, and regionally well-known speakers. The lecture series will be coordinated in collaboration with Phi Theta Kappa, the college’s student honor society and Tongue Point Job Corps.

“We are expanding our community partnerships, expanding our own programming and working more with the local schools to bring the arts to them,” Morrisson said. “On the ‘we hope to’ list is a CCC production of ‘You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,’ utilizing CCC staff, faculty and students.”

Arts & Ideas will be honored along with all of Salute to Success winners for the year during the OSBA’s annual convention next week. For more information about CCC’s Arts & Ideas, visit www.clatsopcc.edu/arts&ideas