Blinova, Kholui Studio, Owl in the Forest, ca. 1991-2001 Papier m�ch�, egg tempera, and lacquer Racine Art Museum, Gift of Wendy Lee McCalvy Photography: Jon Bolton, Racine, WI

RAM premieres a gift to the permanent collection of over forty 20th-century colorful Russian lacquer boxes from donor Wendy Lee McCalvy. Open through January 15, 2012, New Gifts to the Collection: Russian Lacquer Boxes features intricately decorated, narrative works that combine painting with the creation of three-dimensional objects, epitomizing RAM's objective to blur the line between fine art and craft. These lacquer objects are comparable to other vessels in the collection, functional or not, that have been decorated with glaze, paint, or other media.

Russian lacquer boxes are made of papier-m�ch�. Each object represents an intense period of labor-from the making of the box itself to the surface treatment. The surfaces are lacquered and hand painted in a variety of styles that reflect regional interests and traditions. Russian fairy tales and legendary figures show up often, sharing space with popular culture and political subjects. Rooted in icon painting as well as social and cultural changes, the Russian lacquer ware tradition that has blossomed since the late eighteenth century is connected to the nation's identity and commerce. The four historically important centers for this craft-the villages of Kholui, Palekh, Fedoskino, and Mstiora-are all represented with this exhibition at RAM.

Although Racine's cultural demographics are dominated by the descendents of Danish and German immigrants, there is still a noticeable Russian contingent in the area. According to the Wisconsin Historical Society, Russians and Slovaks played a large role in twentieth-century immigration to the southeast Wisconsin area. With the arrival of this gift, made possible by Racine collector Wendy Lee McCalvy, RAM honors this folk craft and the area's Russian history and culture.

EXHIBITION EVENT

On Friday, December 2 at 6:30 pm, Ms. McCalvy will be present for a gallery reception and interview conducted by RAM Executive Director and Curator of Collections, Bruce W. Pepich. This exciting opportunity allows visitors to hear how and why this collector began gathering these intricate works and why she chose to gift her collection to the museum. The event takes place during First Friday in Downtown Racine when RAM has free admission 10:00 am - 9:00 pm.