Jewelry and Small Metals by Wisconsin Artists

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.

Exhibition Notes (PDF)

Press Room

Platinum Partners—Anonymous, The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd, Ron and Judith Isaacs, Racine Community Foundation, The Estate of Marilyn Rothschild, Windgate Foundation; Diamond Partners—David Charak, Ruffo Family Foundation, Ruth Arts Foundation, Travel Wisconsin, 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, Visit Racine County, We Energies Foundation, Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Partners—Sandy and Gus Antonneau, Carol Baylon, Susan Boland, Rose and Peter Christensen, Educators Credit Union, Julia Ann Oas and Don Gloo, Carol Griseto, Hitters Baseball, Debbie and Chuck Hoffman, Susan and Dan Horton, Gary Van Wert and Ronald Jacquart, SC Johnson, Paula Kalke, Bill and Debbie Keland, Nancy Kurten, Susan Manalli, Norbell Foundation, O&H Danish Bakery, Rita Petretti, Rasmussen Diamonds, Harold and Lois Solberg, E.C. Styberg Foundation, Twin Disc, Marc J. Wollman, Amy and Robb Woulfe; Media Sponsor—Radio Milwaukee