RAM takes to the open road

What’s designed by an artist, covered with art and packed with art supplies, and ready to roll?

Artist Bill Reid and his lovely bride with "Bee Bomb"

I was at the wedding of the aforementioned artist, Bill Reid, when he and his lovely bride (Nicole Hauser) arrived in the Reid-built “Bee Bomb,” set to tie the knot. And what a wedding it was, with favors designed by the couple, ditto almost everything in sight. It was a DIY kind of event.

On Sunday, May 8, Reid will reveal his current project for RAM on the Road (also known as Wustum on Wheels), at Racine’s Wustum Museum. May 13, he’ll blast off during Kids Day at the Racine Art Museum. Whether you are a fan of Wustum or a fan of RAM (or a fan of both as I am), the colorful van pays homage to both institutions. The moveable art feast comes courtesy of Reid and his considerable skills as sculptor and painter, and he gives credit to Will Christman at the Sign Shop in Racine, and to Jessica Zalewski and others at RAM who coordinated the project.

One side of Bill Reid's creation for RAM on the Road.

Reid, who received his MFA from Cranbrook Academy in Michigan, will navigate the van throughout the summer, routing it to area kids who perhaps desire more than ice-cream trucks and such. The vehicle will not only serve kids of all ages, but will also fuel the interest of seniors in retirement communities, those with memory loss and their respective caregivers.

With gas prices soaring and tough economic times in the Racine area, the funky wheels are a sign of hope.

The artist, who has spent twenty years plus as the artist in residence at The Prairie School, says he drew inspiration for his various sculptures and far-out fantasies during a visit to the Hall collection of folk art at the Milwaukee Art Museum. Indeed, his work does reflect that of self-taught artists who embrace the idea of art being more than pretty pictures.

“The van is a new Ford Transit Connect, a make popular in Europe, but just starting to be available here,” he says.

The "Wustum" side of Reid's creation

Folk art isn’t the only influence on his work. His parents got the New Yorker Magazine, and the cartoons of Charles Addams and Saul Steinberg caught his eye. In addition to RAM’s mobile project this summer, Reid’s work can also been seen in a group summer show at Tory Folliard Gallery, a show at Chautauqua out east, and on a continuing basis in Door County at Edgewood Orchard.

Like the van he’ll command this summer, he just keeps on rolling forth with fun.

The RAM on the Road reveal takes place Sunday, May 8 from 1-4 p.m. at Wustum Museum, 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine. For more information, click here.