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
Whether directly or indirectly, many artists create work that responds to the environment they inhabit 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, and distinctive 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
Whether directly or indirectly, many artists create work that responds to the environment they inhabit 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, and distinctive 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
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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The Racine Art Museum and RAM’s Wustum Museum work together to serve as a community resource, with spaces for discovery, creation, and connection. Keep up to date on everything happening at both museum campuses—and beyond—by subscribing to our email newsletter:
