Beginning April 1, 2026, the Racine Art Museum (RAM) will present RAM PEEPS® Brand Art Exhibition 2026, the 17th edition of a popular annual exhibition featuring art made from or inspired by colorful PEEPS® Brand marshmallow candy. Since its inception in 2010, this signature experience has captured worldwide attention by inviting artists of all ages and skill levels to work with a new creative medium or subject matter. New in 2026, the exhibition will expand into a larger gallery space and include a specially commissioned installation inspired by the theme.
Curating an exhibition of PEEPS®-inspired artwork is somewhat unexpected for a museum. However, the concept of working with nontraditional media is supported by RAM’s focus on collecting contemporary craft and material-based art. Artists consistently push material boundaries, which is apparent in many works within the museum’s permanent collection that utilize materials produced for purposes other than art-making.
RAM’s beloved exhibition has become a melting pot of creative expression since it encourages artists to step out of their comfort zones and work with a material unlike anything else, or push themselves to incorporate the iconic PEEPS® Brand shapes in their chosen medium. Taking inspiration from pop culture, famous artists, sports, and everything in between, artists have combined PEEPS® with such art-making mediums as painting, ceramics, screen-printing, woodworking, papier mâché, glass fusing, and 3-D printing.
RAM PEEPS® Brand Art Exhibition 2026 will be the first iteration of this show to be presented in one of the museum’s first-floor permanent gallery spaces. This highly requested move will enhance the overall experience by increasing visibility of the creative display and improving visitor traffic flow.
Entry to RAM PEEPS® Brand Art Exhibition 2026 is free and open to individuals and groups across the globe. Awards in multiple categories will be judged by a panel of experts based on creativity and the best use or representation of PEEPS®. Continuing a much-loved tradition, museum visitors are invited to vote for their favorite piece in the exhibition for the coveted PEEPles Choice Award, which will be announced after the end of the show.
Works may be delivered in person at RAM on March 13 and 14, 2026, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Shipped entries must arrive at the Racine Art Museum, 441 Main Street, Racine, Wisconsin 53403, between March 9–13, 2026. All submissions must include a completed entry form.
In addition to regular submissions for RAM PEEPS® Brand Art Exhibition 2026, the museum is seeking proposals for a large-scale, site-specific installation to accompany the reimagined exhibition in its new location. This paid opportunity is open to artists who are 18 years of age or older and reside anywhere within driving distance to RAM. Proposals, which should fit the lighthearted spirit of the exhibition, must be submitted via the museum’s website by 4:00 pm CDT on December 5, 2025.
Further information about both artistic opportunities can be found on RAM’s website, ramart.org.
Pictured: Debby Peck
Cirque du Soleil—“La Peeps”, 2025
PEEPS® Brand marshmallow candy, foam, polymer clay, pipe cleaners, beads, glitter glue, lace, glass, curtain rings, latex paint, and google eyes
PEEPle’s Choice Award, RAM PEEPS® Brand Art Exhibition 2025
Photography: Rachel Comande
