PCC Community Markets, one of Seattle’s original grocers and the largest community-owned food market in the U.S., has unveiled the artists whose work will be showcased in its new Downtown store and relocated Kirkland location when they open in early 2022.
The Downtown store will feature carvings by Andrea M. Wilbur-Sign of the Squaxin Island Tribe, and the Kirkland store will have an installation from artist Mary Iverson. The co-op aims to spotlight local creators and elevate the shopping experience.
Shoppers at the Downtown PCC will be immersed in the story of Andrea M. Wilbur-Sigo’s work titled “A Way of Life” in the form of two house post wooden carvings mounted on the interior dining area wall. Wilbur-Sigo is a member of the Squaxin Island Tribe and is the first known woman carver of many generations of carvers in the Coast Salish style. The house posts depict two individuals and convey the connection between people and the environment.
“My works explores the balance between the environment and industrial activities, inspiring conversations about our complicated relationship with nature,” said Wilbur-Sigo, in a statement. “I chose to collaborate with PCC because of their focus on sustainability in their products and even in-store design. I am pleased to have this opportunity to share these carvings with the PCC community – bringing nature into an industrial space.”
Five columns with hand-glazed ceramic tiles representing “World Tablecloths” will welcome shoppers in the new Kirkland PCC seating area. Each column features a tablecloth design inspired by the textile patterns of a unique culture that is part of the community makeup of Kirkland: Coast Salish, Nordic, India, Japan, and England.
“A tablecloth is the underlying fabric that makes a meal special, weaving colors and symbols with family traditions,” said Mary Iverson. “PCC is such a special part of the community: as a space for neighbors to gather in or the source of the food they bring home to their tables to serve friends and family. I appreciate the opportunity to bring this work to the Kirkland community and hope to inspire their table conversations.”
PCC first introduced local art in its Ballard store as part of the co-op’s efforts to be recognized by the International Living Future Institute as Living Building Challenge Petal-Certified, the world’s most rigorous green building standard.
Ballard PCC became the first LBC Petal-Certified grocery store in the world in 2020 and the co-op’s locations in West Seattle and Bellevue were also Petal-Certified earlier this year.
The co-op is actively working toward LBC Petal Certification for its new Downtown and relocated Kirkland location following their openings in early 2022, building on the achievements in the previous locations.
Related: Meijer Solicits Art Inspired By Diverse Communities; New Exhibit Showcases African-American Culinary History.