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Blitz the Bearcat and Salami the Sloth create art together. Art by Basil Allen. Since Pacific Northwest College of Art’s (PNCA) and Willamette University’s merger  in 2021, Willamette students have had the opportunity to explore an array of different classes offered at PNCA, along with their Salem classes. If they can make the trip, that is.  PNCA offers an array of art classes that aren’t taught at Willamette, allowing students to explore their interests in various fields wi

"16 Shots," an Afro hip-hop dance choregraphed by Ezra Neely ('26), performed at Smith Auditorium in spring of 2025. Photo courtesy of Quinn Carbery. On Nov. 20 and 21, Willamette Dance Company will present dances choreographed and performed by students. This event, which happens once a semester, has always been an opportunity for students to showcase their choreography and dance skills to the community. In recent years, students have increasingly infused cultural elements in

The ofrenda at Alianza's Dia de los Muertos at Willamette University, Salem, Oregon on Oct. 31, 2025. Photo by Sofie Szigeti. When students stepped through the Cat Cavern doors on Oct. 31 and walked down a path of golden marigold flowers, they were immediately greeted with an explosion of color.  Flags of every Latin American country and papel picado banners fluttered from the ceiling. An ofrenda stood at the left of the room , decorated with food, candles, flowers and photos