Arts at Clarke

The Arts at Clarke series seeks to inform, entertain, and inspire through art in all its forms. From live performances to gallery exhibits, Arts at Clarke provides a place to gather and enjoy the talents of local and national artists, musicians, performers and more. Performances are open to members of the Clarke community and the general public.

Planning for Spring 2023 events is still underway! We will continue to add information as it becomes available. 

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Sophomore/Junior Juried Art Exhibition

Monday, January 16 – Saturday, February 11
Reception: Sunday, February 5, 2-4 p.m.
Quigley Gallery, Clarke University

The artworks on exhibit were chosen from portfolios presented by sophomore and junior students during their reviews in November.

Lion’s Den Session: Natascha Myers ’17

Tuesday, January 31 at Noon
Student Activity Center, Clarke University

You don’t want to miss this special Lion’s Den Sessions performance from singer and songwriter Natascha Myers ’17! You and your friends are invited to grab lunch on campus and enjoy a mini concert for the Clarke community with one of Nashville’s up-and-coming artists.

Find Natascha’s newest album, End Game, on Spotify to get a sampling of her unique take on “love-ish” songs and the emotions that move our everyday lives.

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Clarke-Loras Faculty Recital

Wednesday, February 8 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Music faculty of Clarke University and Loras College combine for the annual faculty recital. A night full of beautiful music and partnership.

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New Hope Baptist Church Choir Concert

Saturday, February 11 at 6 p.m.
Terence Donaghoe Hall, Clarke University

Featuring the New Hope Baptist Church choir from St. Paul, Minnesota, this concert is free and open to the public.

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Ellen Henkels, BFA ’74, ’99: Views of the Mississippi River Paintings

Sunday, February 12 – Saturday, March 18
Artist Reception: Sunday, February 19, 2-4 p.m.
Quigley Gallery, Clarke University

The Project is an art exhibition of approximately twenty oil paintings portraying the Great River Road of the Mississippi Valley. The paintings represent the Driftless region of the Mississippi River Valley where Ellen and her family have resided for five generations. The exhibition will also coincide with Ellen’s 49th year since her graduation with a painting degree from Clarke University in 1974. 

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A Night in Hawaii

Wednesday, February 15 at 6:30 p.m.
Wahlert Atrium and Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

A Night in Hawaii is a celebration of Polynesian culture, music, dance, costumes and stories. Along with the performances from Clarke Ensembles and the celebrated Lanakila’s entertainment company, guests will enjoy Polynesian cuisine served in the Wahlert Atrium as part of an appetizer and dessert menu curated by Clarke University Dining Services.

Tickets are $15 general admission, and can be purchased at clarke.edu/nightinhawaii or by calling (563) 588-6550.

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Marcus DeJesus Faculty Guitar Recital

Saturday, February 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Clarke alumnus, Marcus DeJesus, presents an evening of classical, jazz, and Latin guitar music. 

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DSYO & Clarke String Orchestra Collaboration Concert

Sunday, February 26 at 2 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Clarke’s String Orchestra joins the Dubuque Symphony Youth Orchestra in a concert showcasing both ensembles. The combined number will be movements from the wonderful Beethoven’s 5th Symphony.

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Fabulous Friday Concert—Ukulele Ensemble 

Friday, March 3 at Noon
St. Luke’s Church, 1199 Main Street, Dubuque

Clarke’s Ukulele Ensemble presents its 2nd concert of the semester at St. Luke’s Church. The church opens their space for free concerts every Friday during March. Come see us at Noon!

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Literary Classics: Julien Winds & Clarke Wind Ensemble

Sunday, March 5 at 2 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Join the Julien Winds and Clarke University’s Wind Ensemble for a fantastic concert that presents works of the wind band taken from literature including Moby Dick, Alice in Wonderland, and The Traveling Doll. Dr. Steve Bellomy joins the concert for a discussion about Moby Dick and other literary connections.

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Collegiate Jazz Night 

Wednesday, March 8 at 7 p.m.
Smokestack, 62 E 7th Street, Dubuque

Jazz ensembles from Clarke University, University of Dubuque, and Loras College perform at Dubuque’s Smokestack. Come watch your friends making some cool and groovy music! 

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Senior Art Exhibition 1

Sunday, March 19 – Thursday, April 13
Quigley Gallery, Clarke University

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Lion’s Den Session: Mark Zalaznik ’18

Tuesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.
Lion’s Den, Clarke University

Mark will be a familiar face to many on campus and in the Dubuque area, after earning a degree in elementary education from Clarke in 2018. He now balances teaching at Seton Catholic School in Farley, Iowa, with performing a collection of country and rock favorites across the tri-states. He’s even had the opportunity to open for national touring acts like Travis Tritt, Kip Moore, and others.

To hear samples of Mark’s performances, search for Mark Zalaznik Music on YouTube.

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Mackin-Mailander Alumni Lecture featuring Jessica DuBord ’17, ’20M

Wednesday, March 22 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Jessica is proud to be a wife, mother, and fourth grade teacher at Prescott Elementary in Dubuque, Iowa, but the path to her success was not always clear. From struggling to find her passion after high school to a life-changing altercation that set her on a new journey, Jessica’s lecture tells a compelling story of how it is never too late to become who you want to be.  

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Musical Menus

Friday, March 24 at 6 p.m.
Saturday, March 25 at 6 p.m.

Musical Menus features Clarke alumni, faculty, and students in a cabaret-style program. The event will begin with hors d’oevres in Clarke’s Wahlert Atrium, followed by the musical entrée in Jansen Music Hall. The theme – Old, New, Golden & Blue II – is a revamping of the cancelled Musical Menus program from 2020. Throughout the night, attendees will explore pieces from old and new musical theater and opera repertoire, highlight music from the Golden Age of musical theater and film, and then jazz it up over desserts with a little Blue.  

MENU

Hors d’ oeuvres: Bon Fire Spiced Shrimp, Jumbo Lump Crab Salad in Phyllo, Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Warm Naan, Grilled Pork Tenderloin on Hawaiian Roll with Dijon Aioli, Cheese and Sausage Grazing Board, Classic Mediterranean Hummus

Mini Desserts: Mini Key Lime Tarts, Chocolate and Raspberry Tarts, Chocolate Mousse and Mint Parfait, Apple Cranberry Crisp, Mini Crème Brulée

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PersonA – a play by Joe Klinebriel

March 31 – April 1 at 7:30 p.m. 
April 2 at 2 p.m. 
Terence Donaghoe Hall, Clarke University

PersonA, a devised theatrical production project conceived by theatre artist and Clarke University professor Joe Klinebriel, utilizes the exploration of seminal characters from some of the most influential plays of the theatre canon to tell the story of one character’s navigation through an identity crisis on a journey of self-discovery.

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High School/Collegiate Music Day Performance

Tuesday, April 4
Performance: 7 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Join Clarke University’s Collegiate Singers, String Orchestra, and Wind Ensembles for a day of music making, education, and community. This year we are excited to include a “Piano Chops” workshop and the world premiere of “Amidst the Storm” by Luke Flynn’13. The final performance at 7 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall and is free of charge and open to the public!

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Senior Art Exhibition 2

Friday, April 14 – Saturday, May 6
Quigley Gallery, Clarke University

Lion’s Den Session: Wxlley

Tuesday, April 18 at Noon
Student Activity Center, Clarke University

Get a taste of hip hop, R&B, and more over the lunch hour with a special performance from Wxlley! Coming from the Quad Cities, Wxlley has been writing and performing since age 9 and has created a unique style that is all his own.  

Check out linktr.ee/wxlleymammoth to hear his music. 

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Sacred Sounds: Clarke University, Julien Winds & Dubuque Chorale in Concert

Sunday, April 23 at 2 p.m.
Terence Donaghoe Hall, Clarke University

An afternoon full of music to take our breaths away. This concert contains sacred works of the wind band repertoire–Mahr’s Fantasia in G based on the Beethoven “Ode to Joy” theme, “Blessed are They” part from Brahms’ Ein Deutsches Requiem and Jewish sacred chants integrated into Avshalomon’s Nigun Prophecy. The concert will end with the Bruckner’s Mass in E-minor in collaboration with the Dubuque Chorale and the Clarke Collegiate Singers.

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Studio & New Music Recital

Tuesday, April 25 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

Clarke presents the Studio and New Music concert, featuring traditional repertoire and original composition from students of the Music Departments. Come see your colleagues performing!

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Clarke Fest!

Saturday, April 29, 2023
Atrium Front Lawn

Dubuque’s best block party returns to Clarke Drive on April 29 with the 3rd annual Clarke Fest! On the Atrium Front Lawn, enjoy music and art from local and national performers.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

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Spring Orchestra Concert

Monday, May 1 at 7 p.m.
Jansen Music Hall, Clarke University

The Clarke University String Orchestra ends its season with a spring concert of standard and contemporary music for strings. Join us!

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All Senior Art Exhibition

Sunday, May 7 – Saturday, May 13
Quigley Gallery, Clarke University

Doors

Doors generally open 30 minutes prior to performances, unless noted otherwise. Admission to all drama department events begins 45 minutes prior to curtain. Seats for all events are general admission. Times and dates are subject to change.