Fusion: Contemporary Enamels from RAM’s Collection

February 17 – October 6, 2019

Emily Watson
Rendered Brooch 18, 2005
Enamel, copper, and sterling silver
4 1/2 x 3 3/4 x 5/8 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Gail M. Brown
Photography: Jon Bolton, Racine

In the context of objects, enameling is the fusing of fine glass particles and, most often, a metal surface at very high temperatures. Enameling can be used to coat functional items, such as cooking ware, yet it can also be used to embellish and decorate. With its origins centuries ago, enameling offered the means to add color to certain materials and it was reportedly used in place of rare gemstones as needed.

With an ever-growing collection, RAM is consistently acquiring examples of contemporary jewelry and metal hollowware, incorporating a range of styles and techniques. This exhibition offers a brief survey of the enamel works available in RAM’s holdings.

More About the Exhibition

Exhibition Notes (PDF)

Press Room

Artists in the Exhibition

Farrah Al-Dujaili, Jamie Bennett, Heinz Brummel, Jessica Calderwood, Helen Carnac, Kat Cole, Colette, Ken Cory, Michael Croft, Carolyn A. Currin. Ramón Puig Cuyàs, Marilyn Druin, Elizabeth Garrison, Caroline Gore, Charity Hall, Christopher A. Hentz, April Higashi, June Jasen, Shana Kroiz, David LaPlantz, Rebekah Laskin, Zachery Lechtenberg, Leslie LePere, Allison MacGeorge, James Malenda, Sharon Massey, Richard Meier, Barbara Minor, Joan Parcher, Tod Pardon, Suzan Rezac, Marissa Saneholtz, June Schwarcz, Antonia Schwed, Peter Shire, Natalie Silverstein, Monika Tinker, Marlene True, Silvia Walz, Emily Watson, Sarah West, and Katharine Wood