View "Two Sides of the Same Chip" Exhibition at TCC Gig Harbor

Native artist and TCC alumnus Paige Pettibon's exhibition, "Two Sides of the Same Chip," will be on display at the TCC Gig Harbor Campus Sept. 23 - Dec. 6, 2024. An exhibition reception will be held at the Gig Harbor Campus 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7.

“This show explores the duality of casinos in Indigenous communities, reflecting both the vital economic support they provide and the potential harm they cause through addiction. As an Indigenous artist, I am deeply aware of the importance of sovereignty and the necessity of supporting tribal economies. However, I also recognize the darker side of gambling, which can devastate individuals and families. This collection aims to provide a deeper understanding of the multifaceted relationship between casinos and Indigenous communities, inviting viewers to consider both the benefits and the challenges,” Pettibon wrote in her Artist's Statement.

According to the exhibition press release, “Paige is a mixed-race descendant of the Bitterroot Salish of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, Black & White, raised on Coast Salish territories alongside one of the country’s largest urban Native populations. She draws on her lived experience to create images that highlight the complexity of Indigenous identities, and uplift shared community values. Paige works across many media, from digital design to painting, writing, handcrafted jewelry, and public art.”

Pettibon's work can also be seen on the Tacoma campus. She designed signage for the TCC Sustainability Garden, located across Parking Lot K from Building 20, including a Welcome sign and a land acknowledgement sign written in Lushootseed and English.