Passionate for Craft: David Charak and Diane Zebell
Great art collections are built not only through the acquisition of objects, but through curiosity, discernment, and a belief in the artists who create them. For David Charak, collecting has been a lifelong pursuit rooted in discovery, stewardship, and a deep appreciation for artistic expression. Through decades of collecting, philanthropy, and engagement with cultural institutions, he has helped elevate recognition of contemporary craft and strengthen the organizations that preserve and share the work of artists.
A St. Louis–based collector and philanthropist, Charak’s appreciation for creativity was shaped by a family legacy rooted in entrepreneurship, innovation, and community. His family’s business grew from humble beginnings into a successful international enterprise, instilling values of perseverance, relationships, and long-term responsibility. Those same principles have guided his approach to collecting—not simply as a way to acquire meaningful works of art, but as an opportunity to champion artists, preserve creative expression, and advance the recognition of craft as an essential part of contemporary art.
Together with his late wife, Jacqueline, David built a significant collection focused on contemporary ceramics and craft. Drawn to the artistry, technical skill, and creative possibilities of the medium, they championed artists who expanded traditional ideas of what ceramics could be. Their interest extended beyond individual works to the ways art could inspire curiosity, encourage connection, and enrich everyday experiences. Their collecting helped support a broader movement that brought ceramics and other craft practices—including glass, fiber, and mixed media—into greater recognition within the contemporary art world.
That dedication has had a lasting impact on cultural organizations. At the Racine Art Museum (RAM), David and Jacqueline Charak have helped strengthen one of the nation’s leading collections of contemporary craft through gifts of important ceramic works by artists including Annette Corcoran, Karen Dahl, James Doran, and others. Their contributions have helped RAM deepen its representation of influential artists and share the richness of contemporary ceramics with audiences throughout Wisconsin and beyond. Through his involvement with Friends of Contemporary Ceramics and other organizations, Charak has also helped advance appreciation for ceramic artists and their role in shaping the field.
Beyond RAM, Charak has supported organizations that advance contemporary art and craft, including the Museum of Arts and Design in New York and the American Craft Council. In St. Louis, his dedication to artists and makers has been recognized through his involvement with Craft Alliance, where he received the Founders’ Award for advancing the role of craft in community life.
For Charak, collecting has always been about more than assembling a group of works—it has been about recognizing artists, encouraging creative exploration, and creating opportunities for others to experience art. His philanthropy also reflects a belief in the power of art to enrich lives, including the establishment of healing arts and healthcare-focused endowments in memory of Jacqueline. Together, David and Jacqueline shared a belief that art, design, and thoughtful environments could provide inspiration, comfort, and connection.
Diane Zebell has shared in this appreciation for contemporary art and craft through her own collecting, philanthropy, and cultural engagement. An interior designer by background, Zebell brings a thoughtful understanding of aesthetics, space, and the relationship between art and its surroundings to her involvement in the arts. A longtime supporter of contemporary art in St. Louis and beyond, she has championed artists and institutions that encourage creativity and dialogue. Her design perspective and appreciation for the role of art in shaping experiences reflect a shared belief in the power of creativity to connect people and enrich communities.
Together, David Charak and Diane Zebell represent the enduring influence of collectors who view art as both a personal passion and a public commitment. Through their generosity and advocacy, they have helped artists gain recognition, strengthened museum collections, and supported institutions that make art accessible to broader audiences. Their impact can be seen not only in the works they have helped preserve, but in the artists, communities, and future generations enriched by their dedication to contemporary craft.