RACINE, WI.- Open February 18 – June 10, 2018 at the Racine Art Museum, Japanese Studio Craft at RAM is an exploration of small-scale craft—art jewelry, ceramics, baskets, fiber, glass, and wood—from artists of Japanese heritage with a focus on how tradition can impact contemporary makers.

What is Japanese studio craft? Studio craft is most simply distinguished from the traditional version by intention. Where craft has historically been used for necessity or ceremony, studio craft has emphasized artistic investigation or aesthetic contemplation. Significantly, studio craft may or may not be functional or intended for practical use.

Since the later twentieth century, Japan––steeped in strong historical traditions that include woodworking, metalworking, fibers, lacquer ware, and more––has seen a greater focus on craft-oriented studio practices that emphasize the artist’s interests rather than function. This has come in part from Japanese artists studying abroad who have been impacted by theories of making that have developed in places like the United States and Western Europe.

Contemporary artists––such as Kyohei Fujita who crafted patterned glass boxes, Keizuke Mizuno who creates ceramic sculpture, and Hisako Sekijima, a self-described basket maker––have aspects of their work that can be traced to their connections to Japan. In addition, they expand on time-honored concepts by experimenting with materials, challenging form and scale, or investigating theoretical issues.

Japanese Studio Craft at RAM is made possible by: Platinum Sponsor - Windgate Charitable Foundation; Diamond Sponsor - Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation; Gold Sponsors - Herzfeld Foundation, Johnson Bank, National Endowment for the Arts, W.T. Walker Group, Inc.; Silver Sponsors - Andis Foundation, Racine Community Foundation, Runzheimer International Ltd., Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Sponsors - Burlington Graphic Systems, Inc., CNH Industrial, EC Styberg Foundation, Educators Credit Union, Knight Barry Title, Inc., The Norbell Foundation, Orkney Springs Retreat, Real Racine, Ruud Family Foundation, United Way of Racine County; Media Sponsor - 88NINE Radio Milwaukee