
Kevin Snipes
Numb Skull, 2012
Glazed porcelain
8 1/2 x 4 x 3 1/2 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak
Photography: Jon Bolton
In the Round: Vessels and Sculpture from RAM’s Collection
January 26 – July 30, 2022
at Racine Art Museum
By its very definition, sculpture is multi-sided and intended to be seen from various angles. Even when not placed so that it can be viewed from all sides, sculpture is still the articulation of an idea on multiple planes, not a flat representation. In the Round plays with this idea by showcasing artwork that is best understood when contemplated from more than one perspective—pieces whose stories and designs unfold as a viewer actively engages in exploring the whole thing.
Pursuing the desire to investigate ideas, stories, and patterns in sculptural form, many of the artists included encourage extended contemplation of works whose sides and backs are as integral to the overall as their fronts. Indeed, for some pieces, there may not be an obvious point of visual entry or departure. On a metaphorical level, these works showcase the value of considering multiple points of view.
Several of the pieces are based on functional vessels—teapots, vases, and bowls—but few are intended for actual use. Those that do not reference functional shapes eliminate questions of practicality and further reinforce the status of these objects as a means of generating reflection.
Drawn from RAM’s collection and made primarily of ceramic and glass, these pieces provide compelling, layered narratives, and engaging design. Several works, such as the vessels by Kevin Snipes and the potters of the Mexican town of Mata Ortiz, are new to RAM’s collection and making their debut in this exhibition.
More About the Exhibition
Artists in the Exhibition
Chris Antemann, Emily Brock, Joy Cain, Edward S. Eberle, Misty Gamble, Peter Gourfain, Gloria Hernandez, Sergei Isupov, Georgia Dewakuku Koopee, Anne Kraus, Ellen Lanyon, John Conrad Lewis, Lucy M. Lewis, Michael Lucero, Phillip Maberry, Florence Naranjo, Larry Page, Mark Peiser, Javier Pérez, Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly, Ginny Ruffner, Mark Shapiro, Richard Shaw, Preston Singletary, Kevin Snipes, Paul Stankard, Akio Takamori, Dorothy Torivio, Bertil Vallien, Chela Veloz, Gerry Wedd, and Kurt Weiser
In the Round: Vessels and Sculpture from RAM’s Collection
January 26 – July 30, 2022
at Racine Art Museum

Kevin Snipes
Numb Skull, 2012
Glazed porcelain
8 1/2 x 4 x 3 1/2 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of David and Jacqueline Charak
Photography: Jon Bolton
By its very definition, sculpture is multi-sided and intended to be seen from various angles. Even when not placed so that it can be viewed from all sides, sculpture is still the articulation of an idea on multiple planes, not a flat representation. In the Round plays with this idea by showcasing artwork that is best understood when contemplated from more than one perspective—pieces whose stories and designs unfold as a viewer actively engages in exploring the whole thing.
Pursuing the desire to investigate ideas, stories, and patterns in sculptural form, many of the artists included encourage extended contemplation of works whose sides and backs are as integral to the overall as their fronts. Indeed, for some pieces, there may not be an obvious point of visual entry or departure. On a metaphorical level, these works showcase the value of considering multiple points of view.
Several of the pieces are based on functional vessels—teapots, vases, and bowls—but few are intended for actual use. Those that do not reference functional shapes eliminate questions of practicality and further reinforce the status of these objects as a means of generating reflection.
Drawn from RAM’s collection and made primarily of ceramic and glass, these pieces provide compelling, layered narratives, and engaging design. Several works, such as the vessels by Kevin Snipes and the potters of the Mexican town of Mata Ortiz, are new to RAM’s collection and making their debut in this exhibition.
More About the Exhibition
Artists in the Exhibition
Chris Antemann, Emily Brock, Joy Cain, Edward S. Eberle, Misty Gamble, Peter Gourfain, Gloria Hernandez, Sergei Isupov, Georgia Dewakuku Koopee, Anne Kraus, Ellen Lanyon, John Conrad Lewis, Lucy M. Lewis, Michael Lucero, Phillip Maberry, Florence Naranjo, Larry Page, Mark Peiser, Javier Pérez, Marva Lee Pitchford-Jolly, Ginny Ruffner, Mark Shapiro, Richard Shaw, Preston Singletary, Kevin Snipes, Paul Stankard, Akio Takamori, Dorothy Torivio, Bertil Vallien, Chela Veloz, Gerry Wedd, and Kurt Weiser
Sample of Work in the Exhibition
Click/tap an image for more information
Exhibitions at RAM are made possible by:
Platinum Sponsors
The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd
David Charak
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Ron and Judith Isaacs
Nicholas and Nancy Kurten
Windgate Foundation
Diamond Sponsors
City of Racine’s Grow Racine Grant
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Arts Foundation
Gold Sponsors
Anonymous
Tom and Irene Creecy
Richard and Patricia Ehlert
Trio Foundation of St. Louis
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Wisconsin Arts Board
Silver Sponsors
Anonymous
Baird
Beta Diagnostic Labs
A.C. Buhler Family
Lucy G. Feller
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Jim Harris
Sharon and Tom Harty
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Lise Iwon
J. Jeffers & Co.
Johnson Financial Group
Dorothy MacVicar
Jan Serr and John Shannon
Bronze Sponsors
Ellen and Joseph Albrecht
Andis Foundation
Susan Boland
Virginia Buhler
Dave’s Wine Garage
Educators Credit Union
Express Employment Professionals
Bill and Debbie Keland
Susan Manalli
Jean and Alex Mandli, Jr.
The Prairie School
Cathy Stanghellin
Twin Disc, Inc.