John Michael Kohler Arts Center facts for kids
| Established | 1967 |
|---|---|
| Location | 608 New York Avenue Sheboygan, Wisconsin  United States |
| Visitors | 160,000/yearly |
| Public transit access |  Shoreline Metro |
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is a special place in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, USA. It's an art museum and a performing arts center all in one! This center is a non-profit organization, meaning it's not run for money. It focuses on showing and keeping safe unique art, especially "artist-built environments" and modern art. In 2021, the center even opened a second location called the Art Preserve. This new spot is all about protecting and showing those amazing art environments.
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History of the Arts Center
The Arts Center started in 1967. It was created by the Sheboygan Arts Foundation, Inc. This foundation later changed its name to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, Inc. The center is named after John Michael Kohler. The first building used for the Arts Center was his old family home. This historic house is even listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1966, the Kohler Foundation gave the Kohler family home to the Sheboygan Arts Foundation. The Arts Center officially opened the next year. Since then, it has grown a lot! It has been expanded two times. Now, it is a huge space, about 100,000 square feet. This includes eight art galleries, classrooms, and studio spaces. There are also two places for performances, a shop, and a café.
The second big expansion happened thanks to Ruth DeYoung Kohler II. She also started two important programs: Arts/Industry and Connecting Communities. About 160,000 people visit the center every year. Since it opened, around 4 million people have visited! The center puts on up to 30 different art shows each year. It also runs the first art-based preschool in the country. There is even another shop and exhibition space called ARTspace. It is located in the nearby village of Kohler. The Arts Center offers many fun activities. These include art shows, dance, festivals, concerts, and theater. They also have classes, demonstrations, talks, and tours.
In 1997, the Connecting Communities program began. This program brings artists together with different communities. They work on projects like sculptures, dance, and public art. These projects help people in the community get involved with art.
Art and Exhibitions
The Arts Center is famous for showing art by modern artists. It also features artists who taught themselves, especially those from Wisconsin. These artists often use everyday materials in their work. The center has the largest collection of art by Eugene Von Bruenchenhein. He was a self-taught artist from Wisconsin. He made a lot of art but wasn't well-known until after he passed away in 1983. The Arts Center then showed his work, and it became very popular. The museum now has over 14,000 pieces by him.
In 2012, the Mary Nohl Art Environment was given to the center. Much of her amazing artwork at her home in Fox Point was saved. This art environment is special because it's one of the few made by a woman artist.
The Arts Center creates its own unique art shows. These shows change throughout the year. They often include new artworks and pieces made just for the center. Many galleries might focus on one main idea or theme. Past exhibitions have shown art by many talented artists. Some of these include Ebony Patterson, Lenore Tawney, Ray Yoshida, Nek Chand, and Saya Woolfalk.
Arts/Industry Residency Program
A very important part of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center is the Arts/Industry residency program. Ruth DeYoung Kohler II and her brother Herbert started it in 1974. This program gives artists a special chance. Artists can spend three months creating art. They use materials and tools from the Kohler Co. factory in Kohler, Wisconsin. This includes working with pottery, brass, iron, and enamel.
The center is known around the world for its artist-designed washrooms. These unique washrooms were created through the Arts/Industry program. They were designed by artists like Ann Agee, Cynthia Consentino, and Matt Nolen. Almost 500 artists have been part of this program so far. The Art Preserve also has four more artist-designed washrooms. These were made by Michelle Grabner, Beth Lipman, and the team of Joy Feasley and Paul Swenbeck.
Performing Arts
The performing arts program at the center started with small concerts. It grew bigger when the Youth Symphony began in 1970. In the summer of 1970, the Arts Center also started its first Summer Theatre season.
Many amazing artists have performed at the center. These include the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, Sean Dorsey Dance, and Esperanza Spalding. Other performers have included Noche Flamenca, Lily Cai Chinese Dance Company, and Black Umfolosi.
See also
- Art Preserve
