Racine Art Museum

06/01/2022

Visit RAM for FREE with extended hours from 12:00 to 8:00 pm on First Friday, June 3!
https://www.ramart.org/visit/first-fridays/

During the RAM Free Family Hands-On Art Project, 4:00 – 7:00 pm, utilize metal repoussé techniques to create a one-of-a-kind imaginary landscape inspired by the work of artist Edouard Duval-Carrié. Looking at historical paintings that provide a romanticized view of the Caribbean, Duval-Carrié created an imaginary landscape entitled, Lost at Sea—on loan to RAM through August 27—emphasizing the importance of the area's cultural identity.

Free First Fridays are generously sponsored by the Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation.

06/01/2022

SAVOUR This! This is the third of six weekly questions that relate to past SAVOUR food + art experience packages. Followers that comment on all six posts—either on Facebook or Instagram—will be entered in a drawing for two free tickets to this year's art benefit at RAM's Wustum Museum. A correct answer (when applicable) is not required—simply participate to be entered!

Question #3: What is your favorite season?

If you answered autumn, then you would love a country excursion to The Grange at Gala Oaks in Waterford. This unique SAVOUR 2020 experience package had guests dining in the greenhouse under the fall foliage and soft lights, with food by Wholesome Harvest Meals by Jaclyn Trimble and wine pairings by FOX & FORK. Each guest capped off the night by painting a hearty pumpkin under the talented tutelage of artist Veronica Gagliano Averkamp.

Photography: Camela Langendorf, Varitay Studios

SAVOUR This! #1: https://www.facebook.com/ramartmuseum/posts/373826001452751

SAVOUR This! #2: https://www.facebook.com/ramartmuseum/posts/378428177659200

05/31/2022

Looking for summer plans? Art classes for kids and adults begin as early as next week! Spend time at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts becoming immersed in a weeks-long studio class, or enjoy a one-day workshop for less of a time commitment.
https://www.ramart.org/education/art-classes/

05/30/2022

A pioneer in polymer art, Cynthia Toops has been pushing the boundaries of the medium since the 1980s. Born in Hong Kong, Toops—like other polymer artists—found her way to polymer after first pursuing other interests. Previously, she obtained a BA in Biology from Drake University, Des Moines, Iowa, and a BFA in Printmaking from the University of Washington, Seattle, Washington.

Inspired by, in her words, “mundane” events or objects, botanical subjects, and the ethnic jewelry and ancient beads she and her husband collect, Toops is drawn to detail and labor intensive techniques. While she has recently been working with thin sheets of polymer, she is well-known for mircromosaic works, such as the brooch pictured from RAM’s collection. To create this type of work, she pieces together tiny shards of polymer into figurative or abstract imagery.

While Toops works on her own, she also often collaborates with her husband, Dan Adams, who creates glass works, and Chuck Domitrovich, a metalsmith. To date, RAM is fortunate to have ten works by Toops—including one collaboration with Adams—in the collection.

Image Credits:
Cynthia Toops
Brooch, 2001
Polymer and sterling silver
3 x 1 1/2 x 1/4 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Trish Rodimer
Photography: Jon Bolton

05/27/2022

Mark your calendar for the return of Kids Day at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts on Friday, June 17! From 11:00 am to 3:00 pm, families can participate in a variety of free indoor and outdoor art-making and activities inspired by the upcoming exhibition, Cultural Reflections: RAM Community Art Show.
https://www.ramart.org/education/kids-day/

Explore artistic traditions and family-inspired art-making through hands-on art projects, games, and scavenger hunts. Discover artists in the exhibition Cultural Reflections and make artwork related to their craft, such as a printed paper kente cloth inspired by Tonya Harris’ fiber piece entitled, Steppin’ Out. Or, make a 3D portrait all about you and your family. Then, participate in a collaborative installation and make your mark on the Wustum community art tree!

05/26/2022

Two current exhibitions at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts close this weekend! Visit by Saturday, May 28 to experience RAM Showcase: Objects and Racine Unified School District Exhibition 2022 in person.

RAM Showcase: Objects is the inaugural show in the recently launched RAM Showcase series of exhibitions, which highlights the work of contemporary artists of color. The objects in this exhibition explore a variety of subject matter—from material exploration to personal narrative to function.
https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/ram-showcase-objects/

Racine Unified School District Exhibition 2022 features artwork created by area school children from grades K–12. Curated by Racine Unified Schools art faculty, this exhibition demonstrates the excellence achieved by students and their teachers.
https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/rusd-2022/

05/25/2022

SAVOUR This! This is the second of six weekly questions that relate to past SAVOUR food + art experience packages. Followers that comment on all six posts—either on Facebook or Instagram—will be entered in a drawing for two free tickets to this year's art benefit at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. A correct answer (when applicable) is not required—simply participate to be entered!

Question 2: Spill the tea—what is your favorite type of tea?

Plenty of tea was consumed during this traditional English tea party at Social on Sixth—reminiscent of a scene from Bridgerton. The winners of this SAVOUR 2021 experience package regaled with delectable snacks and beverages; decorated edible masterpieces with professional cookie decorator Becca Cairns of Enjoy LLC; and painted a watercolor piece to adorn their home with artist Veronica Gagliano Averkamp.

Photography: Camela Langendorf, Varitay Studios

05/25/2022

Cultural Reflections: RAM Community Art Show opens at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts on Wednesday, June 15. Developed in collaboration with the Black Arts Council of Racine, this exhibition showcases work by 87 artists that used a wide variety of media to explore aspects of their culture, heritage, family traditions, or way of life.
https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/cultural-reflections-community-show/

05/24/2022

Racine Art Museum Association, Inc. (RAMA) is pleased to share the organization's recent Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Statement and Progress Report. This new portion of the RAM website—along with the accompanying document—details the last two years of efforts to support diverse artists, voices, and audiences, and states how RAM and Wustum intend to expand upon these measures.
https://www.ramart.org/info/deia/

05/21/2022

Beginning today on Armed Forces Day, RAM joins museums across the nation in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently-serving US military personnel and their families this summer. Show your active military ID to RAM reception staff to receive free museum admission for you and up to five family members through Saturday, September 3.

For more information: https://www.arts.gov/initiatives/blue-star-museums/

05/20/2022

In celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, create dream-like artwork inspired by the repeating surrealist patterns found in artist Shoko Teruyama's work.
https://www.ramart.org/education/online-art-resources/

Teruyama's work often features animal characters and natural elements, and uses repeating patterns to "create visual movement representing water, wind, and clouds."

The ceramic piece seen here, entitled Floating Pipe, was created as a collaboration between Teruyama and her husband, ceramicist Matt Kelleher.

05/18/2022

SAVOUR This! This is the first of six weekly questions that relate to past SAVOUR food + art experience packages. Followers that comment on all six posts—either on Facebook or Instagram—will be entered in a drawing for two free tickets to this year's art benefit at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts. You don’t even have to provide the correct answer, just participate!

Question #1: Who robbed the 441 Main Street Bank (now RAM) in 1933?

Check out this SAVOUR 2021 Speakeasy party for a hint! Guests rocked the theme and were treated to a behind-the-scenes look at the infamous bank vault at RAM. Then, they noshed on a curated four-course meal with wine pairings by Doug Nicholson of The Ivanhoe Pub & Eatery.

Photography by Camela Langendorf, Varitay Studios.

05/18/2022

Drop in at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts tomorrow, May 19 for a free, family friendly art project that celebrates Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. From 3:30 to 5:00 pm, you are invited to create a 3D paper collage inspired by Japanese artist and designer Mariko Kusumoto.

Kusumoto utilizes various metalsmithing techniques to craft elaborate miniature stage sets, with multiple doors, moving parts, compartments and drawers, as well as the characters and props to inhabit them. Take inspiration from Kusumoto's mystifying work and collage your own magical world that delights and inspires you!

Image Credits:
Mariko Kusumoto
Byobu, 2004–2006
Copper, nickel, silver, brass, sterling silver, magnets, and artist-rendered decals
15 x 30 x 9 1/2 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Karen Johnson Boyd
Photography: Johansen Krause

05/16/2022

Not limited by media, the Zhou Brothers—Shan Zuo and Da Huang—experiment with various modes of creative expression, including painting, performance, and sculpture. Their works combine their unique perspective and aesthetic with creative interpretations of western and eastern philosophy, art, and literature. After originally becoming successful in China, the brothers moved to Chicago to continue their art careers in the US.

With their collaborative working process, the Zhou Brothers challenge the concept of the individual artist as a solitary self-focused genius. About this way of working, Da Huang has stated: "The value of the collaboration is that it opens up things that couldn't happen any other way. When you paint by yourself, no matter how great a painter you are… you won't have the courage to destroy your own painting. You think you are always right. But two people together, they don't care. You paint something amazing, but he destroys it, because he sees it differently. And with this kind of fighting, something comes out in the painting that's never happened before. It's a mystery, and it creates a new magic…At the beginning, we knew it was interesting, but we didn't know how special it was… But more and more as we worked together, we realized the value of the collaboration. People think we have the same idea and bring harmony to it before coming to the canvas. That's wrong. The value of the collaboration is that it opens up things that couldn't happen any other way."

Image Credits:
ShanZou and DaHuang Zhou
BZ 1382 or Waterlily #15, 2001
Oil on lead and silk
36 1/4 x 24 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Karen Johnson Boyd
Photography: Jon Bolton

05/12/2022

Call for Artists: RAM Community Art Show

Drop-off of work for Cultural Reflections: RAM Community Art Show begins tomorrow! Bring work inspired by your culture, family traditions, or way of life to Wustum Museum of Fine Arts from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Friday, May 13 or Saturday, May 14.
https://www.ramart.org/artist-resources/call-for-artists/community-show/

This exhibition is presented in collaboration with the Black Arts Council of Racine.

Cultural Reflections: RAM Community Art Show June 15 – August 13, 2022 Entry Deadline: Saturday, May 14 at 4:00 pm DOWNLOAD PROSPECTUS (PDF) Express Yourself Expressions of cultural connections and traditions can take the form of many things—including food, literature, dance, craft forms, and vi...

05/12/2022

RAM staff was recently made aware of technical difficulties pertaining to Wisconsin Photography 2022 jurying fee and digital entry submission. These issues have since been fixed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

As a way of simplifying the competition entry process, RAM members are no longer required to go through a checkout process to receive the link for digital entry submission. Simply log in to your member account via the link below to receive immediate access to the entry form:
https://www.ramart.org/artist-resources/call-for-artists/wi-photo/

05/11/2022

Mark your calendars for SAVOUR 2022: RAM Art Benefit, taking place at Wustum Museum of Fine Arts on Saturday, September 24, 5:30 – 10:00 pm.
https://www.ramart.org/savour/

You don’t want to miss this unique event that celebrates Racine’s artists and food vendors. Enjoy a night on the gorgeous tented grounds at Wustum while sampling delectable local cuisine, engaging with area artists from a multitude of backgrounds, dancing to delightful curated music, and bidding on incredible, one-of-a-kind art + food experience packages.

SAVOUR This! Beginning next Wednesday, May 18, you will have the opportunity to win TWO FREE TICKETS to this year's art benefit! Answer a weekly question over the next six weeks while enjoying intimate glimpses at the amazing experience packages from past SAVOUR auctions. Followers that participate in all six posts—either on Facebook or Instagram—will be entered in a drawing for two free tickets to SAVOUR 2022.

05/10/2022

Calling all Wisconsin photographers and video artists! Submit a portfolio of 10 digital photographs or up to two video files to be juried for Wisconsin Photography 2022 by Monday, June 20 at 4:00 pm.
https://www.ramart.org/artist-resources/call-for-artists/wi-photo/

Entry is open to any artist 18 and over residing in Wisconsin, or who has been a resident during the last year or maintains a residence in Wisconsin. There is a $25 jurying fee, which is waived for RAM members. Not yet a member? Become one now!
https://www.ramart.org/memberships/

05/09/2022

Inspired by the history and architecture of ancient dwellings and towns she encountered while living in Ireland and Corsica, Kéké Cribbs draws on the narrative potential of dreams, the past, and mythology to create work that often combines glass and other media. Cribbs builds imagery through etching surfaces as well as sculpting and painting wood. In some pieces, she employs a specialized technique that allows her to develop layers of color by firing vitreous enamel on the reverse side of glass. Reflecting on the source of content in her work, Cribbs describes her process: “I think it could be fair to say that my everyday life, my art and my dream time, are all of one…The world for me is best deciphered and analyzed through symbols which reveal compassion for the observed...I use this imagery to share my translations of the world as I perceive it to be.”

RAM has four works by Cribbs in the collection—all of which are currently featured in Blurry Boundaries: Contemporary Artists, Imagination, and the Spaces Between on view at RAM through August 27, 2022.
https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/blurry-boundaries/

While pleased to highlight artwork incorporating glass at any time, RAM is especially proud to do so in 2022, which has been designated the International Year of Glass by the United Nations to celebrate the heritage and importance of the material in all facets of life.

Image Credits:
Kéké Cribbs
Grainne Uaile, 1991
Glass and painted wood
22 1/4 x 41 3/8 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Daniel Greenberg and Susan Steinhauser
Photography: Jon Bolton

05/06/2022

Use tin foil or a metal sheet to create your own surrealist painting inspired by the work of artist Edouard Duval-Carrié. Instructions for this project are available on the RAM website:
https://www.ramart.org/education/online-art-resources/

As a Haitian artist, Duval-Carrié's work often features elements of his culture and nature as well as surrealist imagery. The artist's large scale two-dimensional work addresses the propaganda of paradise, responding to the way historical imagery sometimes diminished cultural identity.

05/06/2022

Enjoy time with your Mom by experiencing art together! RAM is treating moms to an early Mother's Day gift with free museum admission tomorrow, May 7, from noon to 4:00 pm.

The RAM Museum Store also offers an array of fantastic options for Mother's Day gifts. Enjoy a 20% discount on all handbags, scarves, and socks through 4:00 pm tomorrow.

Photography: RAM Staff

05/05/2022

Tomorrow is Free First Friday at RAM! Experience a variety of thought-provoking exhibitions for FREE from noon to 8:00 pm.

In honor of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, you are invited to create an Oil Pastel Landscape Vessel inspired by the ceramic work of artist Toshiko Takaezu from 4:00 to 7:00 pm.

Takaezu (1922–2011) was inspired by nature and the environment, noting the early influence of her home state, Hawaii. She combined this with an interest in color and surface—her signature Makaha blue (a rich blue) being one of many tones she used. She was an artist in tune with concepts of balance and harmony—interior/exterior, planning/unpredictability, calm/tense, large/small.

Image Credit:
Toshiko Takaezu
Purple Closed Form, 2005
Glazed stoneware
18 3/4 inches x 13 1/2 inches diameter
Racine Art Museum, Promised Gift of Johnson Bank, Trustee of the QTIP for Bill Boyd u/a Karen Johnson Boyd 1996 Trust
Photography: Jon Bolton

05/04/2022

May the Fourth be with you today on Star Wars Day! Enjoy this glimpse of A Whole Other World: Sub-Culture Craft, an exhibition from a long time ago, in a museum not so far away.
https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/whole-other-world/

Photography: Jon Bolton

05/04/2022

RAM on the Road will be appearing at two upcoming community resource events! Join Wustum Museum of Fine Arts staff for family friendly hands-on art activities at the Cesar Chavez Community Center today, and the Dr. John Bryant Community Center on Tuesday, May 10, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm both days.
https://www.cityofracine.org/CommunityCenters

The Racine Bounces Back events offer opportunities to sign up for City of Racine, On the lake programs and services, apply for City jobs—including summer youth employment—and participate in raffles and giveaways.

05/02/2022

Glass artist Etsuko Nishi creates sculpture that operates in ambiguity, suggesting something natural or abstract. While Nishi draws on an appreciation for nature, including its variability, she prefers to craft non-representational vessels and forms.

Nishi is well-regarded in contemporary art for her interesting in reviving pâte de verre (glass paste). In simplified terms, producing pâte de verre works involves preparing a negative mold, applying a paste of glass and binding material to it, and heating the mold so that the granules fuse together. The techniques associated with this kiln casting process are exacting, and Nishi has spent years experimenting with them.

Nishi, who was born in Kobe, Japan, earned a BA from Mukogawa University–Japan, before studying at the Pilchuck Glass School in Seattle. She holds a master’s degree from the Canberra School of Art, Australia, and a PhD from the Royal College of Art, London.

While pleased to highlight artwork incorporating glass at any time, RAM is especially proud to do so in 2022, which has been designated the International Year of Glass by the United Nations to celebrate the heritage and importance of the material in all facets of life.

Image Credits:
Etsuko Nishi
Lace Cage Bowl, 1992
Glass
5 3/4 x 11 3/4 inches diameter
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Dale and Doug Anderson
Photography: Jon Bolton

05/02/2022

RAM is pleased to announce the winners of the museum’s Peeps Art Exhibition raffle. Congratulations to Jim Horeisch, Kathy, and Eileen Hansen!

RAM is pleased to announce the winners of the museum’s Peeps Art Exhibition raffle. Congratulations to Jim Horeisch, Kathy, and Eileen Hansen!
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdEEejOoP_N/

w/ Laura D’Amato and Jessica Zalewski

04/29/2022

The annual Racine Unified Schools art exhibition returns to Wustum Museum of Fine Arts next Wednesday, May 4! Experience a wide range of artwork created by area school children from grades K–12. Curated by the Unified School’s art faculty, the exhibition demonstrates the excellence achieved by students and their teachers.

Racine Unified School District Exhibition 2022 is on display through Saturday, May 28.
https://www.ramart.org/exhibit/rusd-2022/

Photography: RAM Staff