[TEST] Bethesda RKO
Frances Myers
Dynamic. Boundary breaking. Always evolving.
The artworks in RAM’s collection invite everyone to slow down, look closer, and see the world differently.
For decades, RAM has championed overlooked artistic voices, encouraged new ways of understanding creativity, and helped shape the conversation around craft and material-based art, while continuing to amplify diverse perspectives.
Welcome to joy, curiosity, and bold creativity. Welcome to RAM’s collection.
1940s
In the 1940s, RAM's collection was initiated with a significant gift of over 250 works created through the Works Progress Administration's (WPA) Federal Art Project.
15,000+ Artworks
Today, we maintain a nationally recognized collection of more than 15,000 works spanning modern and contemporary works on paper, contemporary craft and design, and other art forms.
The Largest Contemporary Craft Collection in North America
In 1990, RAM made the formal decision to embrace contemporary craft as a collecting focus. Since then, we have stewarded the largest collection of this kind in North America.
What makes us unique.
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WPA GiftThe 1940s WPA gift was comprised of over 250 prints, drawings, watercolors, photographs, and block-printed textiles; it is one of the largest collections of its kind in the Midwest. -
Karen Johnson Boyd GiftIn 1991, Karen Johnson Boyd gifted approximately 200 artworks that immediately elevated the museum's profile and strengthened its curatorial focus on contemporary craft. -
Focus AreasOur current collection features concentrations in certain types of artwork—art to wear, artists' books, baskets, teapots, and more. -
Collecting In DepthOur curatorial philosophy incorporates a holistic approach, capturing the spirit and energy of boundary-breaking artists through multiple examples of their artwork.
Collecting with intention.
Collection in Context
We focus on how works are collected, curated, and presented.
Cross-Media Approach
We break down traditional media hierarchies.
An Artist-First Focus
We embrace artist stories, career arcs, and archival depth.
Explore our focus areas.
[TEST] Bethesda RKO
Frances Myers
[TEST] Bethesda RKO
Frances Myers
[TEST] Bethesda RKO
Frances Myers
[TEST] Bethesda RKO
Frances Myers
[TEST] Bethesda RKO
Frances Myers
Milagro Heart Tree of Life (Brooch)
Lorena Angulo
Tea Kettle (Brooch)
Melanie Bilenker
Bracelet
Peter Chang
Find more art at Hotel Verdant.
Did you know? Prints of pieces from RAM’s collection are featured in guest rooms at Hotel Verdant! Visitors can also access special room discounts and promotional offers through this partnership when planning their stay.
Shaping a Museum: The Enduring Legacy of Karen Johnson Boyd
Karen Johnson Boyd’s collecting and philanthropy transformed RAM, creating a nationally recognized craft collection and championing artists, materials, and creative exploration.
Building a Collection by Hand: Bruce W. Pepich and the Making of RAM
Bruce W. Pepich shaped RAM into a leading contemporary craft center, building North America’s largest collection through vision, scholarship, and artist support.
OBJECTS: USA: How SC Johnson Impacted Contemporary Craft
OBJECTS: USA (1969), sponsored by SC Johnson, helped redefine perceptions of craft, leaving a lasting legacy through exhibitions, publications, and collections.
John Dillinger, Warrington Colescott, and RAM
RAM Downtown’s site history, including a 1933 Dillinger bank robbery, inspired Warrington Colescott’s prints and connects local history with art.
Creative Gestures: Generations of Artists Build the Wustum Campus
RAM Wustum’s history reflects generations of artists, educators, and supporters who nurtured a donated home into a cornerstone of Racine’s arts community.
A reference library for everyone.
RAM’s Art Reference Library is home to the museum’s growing collection of books and periodicals on art and art history, including many out-of-print and hard-to-find brochures and catalogues about contemporary art and artists.
Visit our locations.
RAM Downtown
Wednesday — Saturday
10am — 4pm
Thursday
10am — 8pm
Sunday
12pm — 4pm
10am — 4pm
Thursday
10am — 8pm
Sunday
12pm — 4pm
441 Main Street
Racine, WI 53403
Racine, WI 53403
262.638.8300
A captivting gallery space with rotating exhibitions and the largest contemporary craft collection in North America.
Location Details
RAM Wustum
Wednesday — Saturday
10am — 4pm
10am — 4pm
2519 Northwestern Avenue
Racine, WI 53404
Racine, WI 53404
262.636.9177
Our historic destination for hands-on learning, community gatherings, and artwork. Admission is always free.
Location Details