Peninsula College is excited to welcome back sculptor and Cherokee Nation citizen, Karen Sixkiller, for her solo art exhibit, Cancer Sticks: Corruption of Sacred Tobacco, which sparks conversation and challenges perspectives. Sixkiller's latest exhibit will be open to the public at ʔaʔkʷustəŋáw̕txʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse, on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 12:00–3:00 pm, January 7 – March 27, 2025.
Sixkiller's award winning ‘Cancer Sticks'; feature eight beaded trompe-l'œil cigarettes each in their own ceramic ashtray and the 'Un-American Spirit' beaded necklace as well as new sculptural work in beads, bronze, and ceramic. Sixkiller's meticulous artistry offers a unique Native perspective on the use and abuse of tobacco.
Karen Sixkiller is a contemporary Cherokee Nation sculptor and Washington native residing on the Olympic Peninsula. Her experiences and influences working in public health and K-8 education have coalesced in her passion for teaching new perspectives through art. She has a permanent public art installation in Tahlequah, OK and currently several temporary installations in Olympia, WA and Lake Oswego, OR. Her work has been featured at multiple Indigenous and non-Indigenous art shows.
Additionally, Karen Sixkiller will be presenting at Studium Generale on Thursday, February 27 at 12:35 pm in the Peninsula College Little Theatre with an artist reception immediately following in the PC Longhouse. Join Sixkiller as she shares her artistic journey in creating the Cancer Sticks: Corruption of Sacred Tobacco series of sculptures. Explore the myths and realities of tobacco use before and since America's colonization through the lens of Native art and humor.
Beading Workshop with Karen Sixkiller
Tell the world what you think about cigarettes with these edgy, stylish earrings designed by Karen Sixkiller as part of her 'Cancer Sticks' sculptural series. Using brick-stitch bead weaving techniques, construct a set of skull and cross bones motif plaques, then add a full pack of 20 little lit cigarette fringe to complete the look. Prior registration is required through Peninsula College Community Education.
Note: Some needlework or beading experience helpful to successful completion of the project. Size 11 glass seed beads, silver plated earring hooks, and all other supplies will be provided.
Saturday, March 8 | 10:00 am
Registration opening soon!
For more information or to schedule a gallery tour, please contact ʔaʔkʷustəŋáw̕txʷ House of Learning, Peninsula College Longhouse at longhouse@pencol.edu or call (360) 417-7992.