Basketworks: The Cotsen Contemporary American Basket Collection

September 28, 2008 – January 4, 2009 

Basketworks: The Cotsen Contemporary American Basket Collection debuted selected works from a 151-piece gift donated to the Racine Art Museum by internationally known fiber collector Lloyd Cotsen. Containing works from the late 1980s forward, this show introduced pieces by significant fiber artists who have advanced the medium of contemporary basketry. When added to RAM’s existing collection, the Cotsen baskets created one of the largest contemporary basket collections in any art museum in the United States. 

Exhibition Notes 

Comments from our visitors:

"Fantastic collection. The museum is a great find for us!"

"So happy RAM can have such an eclectic collection of woven vessels!" 

"This collection was put together by someone with very discerning and sophisticated taste (with an eye for vessel forms). You are a lucky beneficiary."

"Love it! Excellent to see art that is more craft – the woven metal and wood is so comforting in a digital age."

"It's great Racine has a venue like this for the public!" 

John McQueen

American, 1943 –

Untitled, 1994

Tulip Poplar Bark

16.5" x 12" x 9"

Racine Art Museum, Gift of Lloyd Cotsen