Jolanta Rudzka-Habisiak
Anioł Nadziei (Angel of Hope), 2001
Paper, wood, and thread
11 x 7 x 6 7/8 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Camille and Alex Cook
Photography: Jon Bolton

Collection Focus: Polish Fiber

October 30, 2024 – February 22, 2025
at Racine Art Museum

Fiber art, as a self-conscious artistic practice, often develops parallel to (or sometimes intersects with) more traditional modes of textile production, such as industry and hobby-oriented handcraft. Since the 1970s, Łódź, Poland—the historical site of a significant textile industry—has been the home to a triennial exhibition of fiber-related work by almost 150 artists from over 50 countries. This survey of innovative fiber from across the globe significantly impacts both the artists of the host country and those further afield. Polish artists interested in working with fiber are directly presented with new modes of production and a wide range of ideas.

This Collection Focus exhibition featuring fiber works from Polish artists builds on the 2015 debut of pieces gifted by Camille and Alex Cook. Since then, more works from a similar period—1980s to mid-2000s—have been added to this area of RAM’s collection. This emphasis is unique to craft-focused institutions in North America and complements an organization situated in a community with large Polish populations in the surrounding cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. With over 35 pieces included, the exhibition highlights Polish fiber art in both a microscopic and macroscopic way—showcasing the efforts of artists from a certain area of the world who, in turn, also reflect global interests.

This exhibition is funded in large part by the Walter S. Smolenski, Jr. and Sr. Polish History and Culture Fund within the Racine Community Foundation.

Artists in the Exhibition

Grażyna Brylewska-Pędziałek, Maria Teresa Chojnacka, Włodzimierz Cygan, Emilia Cecylia Domańska, Kazimiera Frymark-Błaszczyk, Barbara Gałan, Anna Goebel, Bozena Kaluga, Janusz Kozikowski, Lilla Kulka, Aleksandra Mańczak, Jolanta Owidzka, Andrzej Rajch, Jolanta Rudzka-Habisiak, Antoni Starczewski, and Boleslaw Tomaszkiewicz

Collection Focus: Polish Fiber

October 30, 2024 – February 22, 2025
at Racine Art Museum
Jolanta Rudzka-Habisiak
Anioł Nadziei (Angel of Hope), 2001
Paper, wood, and thread
11 x 7 x 6 7/8 inches
Racine Art Museum, Gift of Camille and Alex Cook
Photography: Jon Bolton

Fiber art, as a self-conscious artistic practice, often develops parallel to (or sometimes intersects with) more traditional modes of textile production, such as industry and hobby-oriented handcraft. Since the 1970s, Łódź, Poland—the historical site of a significant textile industry—has been the home to a triennial exhibition of fiber-related work by almost 150 artists from over 50 countries. This survey of innovative fiber from across the globe significantly impacts both the artists of the host country and those further afield. Polish artists interested in working with fiber are directly presented with new modes of production and a wide range of ideas.

This Collection Focus exhibition featuring fiber works from Polish artists builds on the 2015 debut of pieces gifted by Camille and Alex Cook. Since then, more works from a similar period—1980s to mid-2000s—have been added to this area of RAM’s collection. This emphasis is unique to craft-focused institutions in North America and complements an organization situated in a community with large Polish populations in the surrounding cities of Milwaukee and Chicago. With over 35 pieces included, the exhibition highlights Polish fiber art in both a microscopic and macroscopic way—showcasing the efforts of artists from a certain area of the world who, in turn, also reflect global interests.

This exhibition is funded in large part by the Walter S. Smolenski, Jr. and Sr. Polish History and Culture Fund within the Racine Community Foundation.

Artists in the Exhibition

Grażyna Brylewska-Pędziałek, Maria Teresa Chojnacka, Włodzimierz Cygan, Emilia Cecylia Domańska, Kazimiera Frymark-Błaszczyk, Barbara Gałan, Anna Goebel, Bozena Kaluga, Janusz Kozikowski, Lilla Kulka, Aleksandra Mańczak, Jolanta Owidzka, Andrzej Rajch, Jolanta Rudzka-Habisiak, Antoni Starczewski, and Boleslaw Tomaszkiewicz

Sample of Work in the Exhibition

Click/tap an image for more information

Exhibitions at RAM are made possible by:

Platinum Partners

The Estate of Karen Johnson Boyd
David Charak
Judith and David Flegel Fund
Ron and Judith Isaacs
Racine Community Foundation logo
United Way Of Racine County logo
Windgate Foundation

Diamond Partners

Ruffo Family Foundation
Ruth Foundation for the Arts
Diane Zebell

Gold Partners

Anonymous
A.C. Buhler Family
Robert E. Kohler Jr. Fund
Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation
Reliance Controls
Trio Foundation of St. Louis
W.T. Walker Group, Inc.
Wisconsin Arts Board 50th Anniversary Logo

Silver Partners

Anonymous
Sandy and Gus Antonneau
Baird
Lucy G. Feller
Ben and Dawn Flegel
Sharon and Tom Harty
Dave and Judy Hecker
Paula Kalke
Horizon Retail Construction, Inc.
Johnson Financial Group
Lang Family Foundation
Dorothy MacVicar
Jan Serr & John Shannon
Sandra Shove
Willard and Mary Walker

Bronze Partners

Carol Baylon
Rose and Peter Christensen
Dave’s Wine Garage
Educators Credit Union
Patricia and Richard Ehlert
Express Employment Professionals
Deborah Ganaway
Carol Griseto
Hitter’s Baseball
SC Johnson
Bill and Debbie Keland
Nancy and Nick Kurten
Susan Manalli
Norbell Foundation
JoAnna Poehlmann
Rasmussen Diamonds
Harold and Lois Solberg
Kathy Stranghellini
Tito’s
Twin Disc
Janna Waldeck
Barbara Waldman

Media Sponsor

Radio Milwaukee logo

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