While many contemporary artists use color as a primary element, Spectrum focuses on it as a defining principle, featuring works by those in RAM’s collection, such as Sonja Blomdahl, Sandra Byers, Rose Cabat, Jeffrey Lloyd Dever, Lindly Haunani, Cliff Lee, James Lovera, and Dante Marioni.

Whether emphasizing the structural, the conceptual, or both, the artists included transform paper—a familiar and seemingly mundane material—into vessels, sculpture, adornment, and artist’s books. Featured artists Kiff Slemmons, who makes ornate paper jewelry, and Julie VonDerVellen, who creates complex sculptural paper watches and clocks, are represented by multiple works. Artists from RAM’s collection—such as Dominic Di Mare, Walter Hamady, Caren Heft, Jim Lee, Ke-Sook Lee, Mary Merkel-Hess, JoAnna Poehlmann, Kay Sekimachi, Merle Temkin, and Michael Velliquette—expand the conversation.

Artists of all ages are invited to be part of the only museum competition of this kind in the world. Entry is FREE, and open to all individuals, families, and organizations

Mark Adams (1925-2006) and Frank Lobdell (1921-2013) explored pattern and color.