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
Cut It Out: Papercutting Traditions and Beyond
February 18 – October 3, 2026
at Racine Art Museum
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.
More About the Exhibition
Glossary of papercutting terms
Shadow Puppetry Showcase Featuring Artist Myra Su on Saturday, February 21
Papercutting Demonstations
Hannah Kohl — Only Murders in the Building papercut
Hannah Kohl — Papercut Cuckoo Clock
Hannah Kohl — Buffalo Nickel papercut timelapse
Carolyn E. Guest — Papercutting demonstration (part 1)
Artists in the Exhibition
Kanako Abe, Blanka Amezkua/Rene Mendoza, Lucrezia Bieler, Jupi T. Das, Jennaca Leigh Davies, Kasia Drake-Hames, Bronislaw Duda, Maria Gleń, Carolyn Guest, Bernadine (Bernie) Jendrzejczak, Felicja Kazmierczak, Hannah Kohl, Ryszarda Klim, Czeslawa Konopka, Zea Melton, Marianna Muras, Władysława Muras, Sonja Peterson, Roma Starczewska-Murray, Myra Su, Merle Temkin, Michael Velliquette, Kara Walker, Janelle Washington, Carey Watters, and Sam Wrôbel
Carolyn Guest
Paper
Collection of the Artist
Photography: Courtesy of the Artist
History of Polish Papercutting
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.
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.
More About the Exhibition
Glossary of papercutting terms
Shadow Puppetry Showcase Featuring Artist Myra Su on Saturday, February 21
Papercutting Demonstations
Hannah Kohl — Only Murders in the Building papercut
Hannah Kohl — Papercut Cuckoo Clock
Hannah Kohl — Buffalo Nickel papercut timelapse
Carolyn E. Guest — Papercutting demonstration (part 1)
Artists in the Exhibition
Kanako Abe, Blanka Amezkua/Rene Mendoza, Lucrezia Bieler, Jupi T. Das, Jennaca Leigh Davies, Kasia Drake-Hames, Bronislaw Duda, Maria Gleń, Carolyn Guest, Bernadine (Bernie) Jendrzejczak, Felicja Kazmierczak, Hannah Kohl, Ryszarda Klim, Czeslawa Konopka, Zea Melton, Marianna Muras, Władysława Muras, Sonja Peterson, Roma Starczewska-Murray, Myra Su, Merle Temkin, Michael Velliquette, Kara Walker, Janelle Washington, Carey Watters, and Sam Wrôbel
History of Polish Papercutting
Carolyn Guest
Paper
Collection of the Artist
Photography: Courtesy of the Artist
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.
Sample of Work in the Exhibition
Click/tap an image for more information
Exhibitions at RAM are made possible by:
Platinum Partners
Anonymous
The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd
Ron and Judith Isaacs
The Estate of Marilyn Rothschild
Windgate Foundation
Diamond Partners
David Charak
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation
Diane Zebell
Gold Partners
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Reliance Controls Community Fund
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Silver Partners
Anonymous
Anonymous
Bader Philanthropies
Baird
A.C. Buhler Family
Dave’s Wine Garage
Paula and E.L. Donovitz Memorial Endowment Fund
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Tom Harty
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Johnson Financial Group
Robert E. Kohler Jr. Fund
Luanne Frey and Mark Lukow
Sheri and Frank Sullivan
Wisconsin Arts Board
Bronze Partners
Sandy and Gus Antonneau
Carol Baylon
Susan Boland
Rose and Peter Christensen
Educators Credit Union
Carol Griseto
Julia Ann Oas and Don Gloo
Hitter’s Baseball
Debbie and Chuck Hoffman
Susan and Dan Horton
Gary Van Wert and Ronald Jacquart
Paula Kalke
Bill and Debbie Keland
Nancy Kurten
Susan Manalli
Norbell Foundation
O&H Danish Bakery
Rita Petretti
Rasmussen Diamonds
SC Johnson
Harold and Lois Solberg
Twin Disc
Marc J. Wollman
Amy and Robb Woulfe
Media Sponsor
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