RACINE, WIS.- The Racine Art Museum announces the opening of a second show organized this year that focuses on artwork created with the glass. These exhibitions reflect RAM's participation in the nationwide 50th anniversary of the Studio Glass Movement in America. A series of lectures, demonstrations, and exhibitions are taking place across the United States.

At RAM, the work of over 20 artists is featured in Cutting Edge: RAM Explores Contemporary Glass Jewelry, open October 28 - February 17, 2013. Organized by RAM Curator of Exhibitions, Lena Vigna, this show highlights work by artists from around the world who utilize a variety of techniques-from glass blowing to casting to beadwork-in the creation of jewelry.

Following a historical precedent for utilizing glass in adornment, contemporary artists create dynamic art jewelry that underscores the aesthetic and theoretical potential of this ancient material. Cutting Edge represents the intersection of two important elements of artistic production-art jewelry and glass. Whether engaging with long-standing traditions, such as producing millefiore beads, or utilizing glass in equally compelling, yet inherently modern, conceptual frameworks-these artists emphasize the flexibility and variability of glass as a medium for expression.

While given more attention recently, art jewelry made using glass represents an important yet sometimes overlooked element of contemporary glass. Cutting Edge highlight artists who regularly utilize glass in their work and consistently address the medium in their practice. Earthenware and fused glass jewelry by modern maker Elsa Freund will add historical dimension.

Significantly, several of the artists who are featured are also represented in RAM's permanent collection through jewelry, small objects, or both-artists such as Donald Friedlich, Jacqueline Lillie, Linda MacNeil, James Minson, Wendy Ramshaw, Axel Russmeyer, and Joyce Scott. Others whose works are included: Dolores Barrett, Patty Cokus, Jane D'Arensbourg, Charlene Foster, Foster and Malone, Carrie Garrott, Karen Gilbert, Gesine Hackenberg, Valerie Hector, Kristina Logan, Pavel Novak, Kait Rhoads, Joyce Roessler, Erica Rosenfeld, Philip Sajet, Melissa Schmidt, Blanche Tilden, and Jetta Vogt.