Racine Art Museum Explores A Galaxy Far, Far Away this Summer

This summer, Racine Art Museum (RAM) explores the intersection of art with cultural subjects that inspire devoted "fan" followings. Open May 24 - September 6, 2015, A Whole Other World: Sub-Culture Craft specifically addresses the science fiction and fantasy-based themes of Doctor Who, Star Wars, Superheroes, and Steampunk. RAM encourages visitors to come dressed in character (cosplay) to receive free museum admission any day during the duration of the exhibition.

Kristy Daum, The Tenth, 2013  Cotton and polyester thread  96 x 68 inches  Photography: Courtesy of the Artist

Interestingly, sub-culture themes have become subjects of artworks, DIY craft, and major projects, such as Chris Lee's efforts to produce a full-scale replica of the Millennium Falcon spaceship from Star Wars. Focusing on work directly inspired by these themes, or by the winding of these kinds of topics in and out of popular culture, this exhibition will feature a variety of objects and images, from quilts to prints to sculpture.

The artists whose works are represented in A Whole Other World emphasize the value of the handmade, combining their skills and imagination with compelling stories and characters inspired by modern science fiction, fantasy, history, and invented worlds. 

A Whole Other World of Events

During Free First Fridays in Downtown Racine, RAM is open with free museum admission and extended hours from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Guests to the museum are encouraged to dress in Sci-Fi and Dr. Who attire on Friday, June 5, as Superheroes on Friday, July 3, and Steampunk costumes on Friday, August 7. In addition, visitors may participate in the Free Family Hands-On Art Project, 4:00 - 8:00 pm to create artwork inspired by these themes.

At RAM's Wustum Museum, open June 5 - August 16, Sci-Fi, Superheroes, and Steampunk: RAM Community Art Students of all ages are invited to be part of this community exhibition by creating art inspired by modern science fiction, fantasy, history, movies, and graphic novel characters. The exhibition will include a wide range of media that reflects the stunning variety of different workshops and classes taught at Wustum.

Details about out-of-this-world and family-friendly events scheduled throughout the summer at both museum locations are available at www.ramart.org.

A Whole Other World: Sub-Culture Craft is made possible at the Racine Art Museum by: Platinum Sponsors - Karen Johnson Boyd and William B. Boyd, SC Johnson, Windgate Charitable Foundation; Gold Sponsors - Herzfeld Foundation, Johnson Bank, Osborne and Scekic Family Foundation, Racine Community Foundation, W. T. Walker Group, Inc.; Silver Sponsors - Helen Bader Foundation, Racine County, Racine United Arts Fund, Runzheimer Foundation, Inc., Wisconsin Arts Board; Bronze Sponsors - CNH Industrial, EC Styberg Foundation, Educators Credit Union, The Garvey Group, In Sink Erator, Modine Manufacturing Foundation, The Norbell Foundation, Orkney Springs Retreat, Polyform Products, Inc., Real Racine, Wisconsin Public Radio.