Cut It Out: Papercutting Traditions and Beyond

February 18 – October 3, 2026
at Racine Art Museum

Janelle Washington
Swipe, 2023
Paper and gold leaf
25 1/2 x 19 5/8 inches
Collection of the Artist
Photography: Courtesy of the Artist

Papercutting as a creative handcraft has roots in many cultures, including centuries-old examples from China, the Polish tradition of wycinanki, and the Mexican history of papel picado. Celebrating handwork and recognizing its potential to connect across time, space, and geography, this exhibition combines various forms of papercutting.  Through large- and small-scale works, contemporary makers expand upon tradition, adding their voices to rich creative lineages. To further illustrate this concept, shadow puppet theater utilizing paper silhouettes will be performed throughout the run of the show.

Cut It Out is part of Handwork 2026, Craft in America’s nationwide semiquincentennial collaboration showcasing the importance of the handmade and celebrating the diversity of craft that defines America.

Considered a distinctive folk art, the Polish papercutting tradition of wycinanki is given weight in this exhibition as it represents strong links to Polish culture in this region of the Midwest—extending from Chicago to Milwaukee. First used to decorate homes and things of daily life and similar to other papercutting traditions, wycinanki has been practiced for generations both in Poland and abroad. With regional preferences dictating stylistic differences, traditional motifs include birds, flowers, stars, farm life, and cultural events. The presentation of this exhibition has been supported in part by a major grant from the Walter S. Smolenski, Jr. and Sr. Polish History and Culture Fund within the Racine Community Foundation.