The Racine Art Museum (RAM) opens a new exhibition, 'Designed by Me: Imagined Jewelry Realized,' on September 10, 2025, featuring jewelry pieces designed by local children ages 5 to 18 and crafted by Rasmussen Diamonds, a Racine-based jeweler celebrating its 125th anniversary. Winning designers Leo Philipp, Cali Jacobs, and Savannah Yanakowicz had their drawings transformed into fine jewelry by goldsmiths Laura Istvanek and Lizzie Spankowski, with the original drawings displayed alongside the finished pieces. The exhibition runs through October 4, after which the three winning pieces will be auctioned to benefit charities chosen by the young designers: Kindred Kitties, Wisconsin Humane Society, and Rescue Outreach.
This exhibition matters because it bridges community engagement, youth creativity, and fine craftsmanship, reinforcing RAM's mission as a museum with the largest contemporary craft collection in North America. By giving children a direct role in the artistic process and linking the project to charitable causes, the show highlights how local institutions can foster early art appreciation and support community welfare. It also underscores the enduring legacy of family-owned businesses like Rasmussen Diamonds in nurturing local talent and cultural partnerships.