Annette Zolin Hirsh
Let’s Party (Neckpiece), ca. 1955
Copper wire, glass beads, and found metal
13 x 7 x 1/2 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Hirsh Family
Photography: Jarvis Lawson
Handmade Up North: Jewelry and Small Metals by Wisconsin Artists
March 4 – October 3, 2026
at Racine Art Museum
Either directly or indirectly, many artists create work in response to the environment that they are in, whether that be through subject matter, techniques, or materials. Handmade Up North showcases a variety of art jewelry and small-scale metalwork from artists with Wisconsin ties, each offering personal and cultural reflections on life in the region. Drawing from a wide range of styles and media, included works reference Wisconsin’s abundant nature and wildlife, urban and rural landscapes, importance as an agricultural hub, anddistinctive Midwestern sense of community.
In addition to works from RAM’s permanent collection, loaned examples of beadwork and quillwork adornment from Anishinaabe artist Emily Minogiizhigookwe Nelis Locklear broaden the exhibition’s perspective—offering a more holistic view of the region’s artistic heritage and highlighting enduring Indigenous traditions.
Handmade Up North: Jewelry and Small Metals by Wisconsin Artists
March 4 – October 3, 2026
at Racine Art Museum
Annette Zolin Hirsh
Let’s Party (Neckpiece), ca. 1955
Copper wire, glass beads, and found metal
13 x 7 x 1/2 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of the Hirsh Family
Photography: Jarvis Lawson
Either directly or indirectly, many artists create work in response to the environment that they are in, whether that be through subject matter, techniques, or materials. Handmade Up North showcases a variety of art jewelry and small-scale metalwork from artists with Wisconsin ties, each offering personal and cultural reflections on life in the region. Drawing from a wide range of styles and media, included works reference Wisconsin’s abundant nature and wildlife, urban and rural landscapes, importance as an agricultural hub, anddistinctive Midwestern sense of community.
In addition to works from RAM’s permanent collection, loaned examples of beadwork and quillwork adornment from Anishinaabe artist Emily Minogiizhigookwe Nelis Locklear broaden the exhibition’s perspective—offering a more holistic view of the region’s artistic heritage and highlighting enduring Indigenous traditions.
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
David Charak
Ron and Judith Isaacs
The Estate of Marilyn Rothschild
Windgate Foundation
Diamond Partners
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation
Diane Zebell
Gold Partners
Anonymous
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Robert E. Kohler Jr. Fund
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Reliance Controls
Trio Foundation of St. Louis
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Silver Partners
Anonymous
Bader Philanthropies
Baird
Dave’s Wine Garage
Lucy G. Feller
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Sharon and Tom Harty
Paula Kalke
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Johnson Financial Group
Dorothy MacVicar
Willard and Mary Walker
Bronze Partners
Sandy and Gus Antonneau
Carol Baylon
Rose and Peter Christensen
Educators Credit Union
Patricia and Richard Ehlert
Deborah Ganaway
Carol Griseto
Hitter’s Baseball
Bill and Debbie Keland
Susan Manalli
Norbell Foundation
O&H Danish Bakery
JoAnna Poehlmann
Rasmussen Diamonds
SC Johnson
Harold and Lois Solberg
Kathy Stranghellini
Twin Disc
Janna Waldeck
Barbara Waldman
Marc J. Wollman
Media Sponsor
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