Patricia Joanne Clark

Pat's memorial service can be viewed here. https://vimeo.com/691516450

Pat's tribute video can be viewed here. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/WFBP2CPKNX32JT3G

Patricia J. (Pat) Clark, Bend, OR, formerly of Fargo, peacefully passed away in her home on November 16, 2021, after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Pat was born May 18, 1935, in Hope, ND, to Francis and Addrain (McKee) Clark, the first of four children. The family moved to Fargo in 1942. She was educated in the Fargo Public Schools System, graduating from Fargo Central in 1953. At Fargo Central, her first mentor, Art teacher Alice Wright, took the young art enthusiast under her wing, and the future artist blossomed. Miss Wright sponsored Pat into the Fargo Fine Arts Club and continued to advise/mentor her into the 1970s

Pat's undergraduate studies were at then Bemidji State Teachers College, Bemidji, MN. Upon her 1957 graduation, her 40+ year teaching career was launched. She began teaching in CA at the high school level. Next was the college level at the University of Wisconsin, River Falls. During a sabbatical from River Falls, she completed her MFA degree at Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills, MI. She joined the California State University System (CSU) in the 1970s. From 1980-1985 Pat was Director of the Idyllwild School of Music And the Arts (ISOMATA), a part of the CSU System, where she was instrumental in launching its system-wide summer arts program. This program continues today, bringing together mentor artists with teachers and students in the University System.

In Pat's 20+ years at Cal State Long Beach (CSULB), she served as Professor Emerita, Dean of Academic Affairs, Art Department Chair, Outstanding Professor Of The Year, and Art Educator Of The Year in 2000.

In addition to teaching, Pat continued producing, exhibiting, and selling her own work, becoming nationally and internationally known for her printmaking and drawing. She exhibited with Francois Gilot (author of Life with Picasso), Harry Sternberg, Arts Student League NYC, and Joseph Maugnini, Chair, Otis Arts Institute, among others. A Los Angles Times review said of her, "Patricia's work is a very powerful combination of the forces of nature and a respect for ordered, functional design. Sprinkle some very intense and personal experiences into the mix, and the result is a remarkably rich and subtle collection of images."

Pat "retired" from teaching to Bend, OR in 2005, planning to concentrate on her own work. In 2007 she founded Atelier 6000, a professional printmaking studio for local and regional artists, where she continued teaching, mentoring, and producing her own work until her passing.

Pat is survived by her sister Sheron (Jim) Kruse, Fargo, brother Rod (Trisch) Clark, Venice, FL, nephews Randy (Lynda) Van Otterloo, West Fargo, ND and Chris (Stephanie) Clark, Spokane Valley, WA, four great-nieces, two great great-nephews, and many cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Jeff, and great-great-nephew Isaiah Mitchell.

The family thanks Partners In Care Hospice, Bend, the Bend Arts Community, and special caregiver and long-time friend Jane Gutting for their loving care and support of Pat throughout her illness.

A Celebration of Pat's Life will be held Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Hanson-Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND, with visitation one hour prior to the service. Memorials in Pat's name can be sent to your local Art Gallery, Humane Society, or charity of your choice.