John Michael Kohler Arts Center
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, founded in 1967, promotes the work of self-taught and contemporary artists through various programs and exhibitions. It includes galleries, performance spaces, a café, a museum shop, and offers free admission.
History of John Michael Kohler Arts Center
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) was founded in 1967 and is located in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Over the years, it has established itself as a significant cultural institution devoted to promoting the understanding and appreciation of the works of self-taught and contemporary artists. JMKAC has grown to include eight galleries, two performance spaces, a café, a museum shop, and a drop-in art-making studio. It has been celebrated for its contributions to art and culture, including receiving the 2023 Governor’s Tourism Award for Arts, Culture & Heritage.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center Services
JMKAC offers a wide array of services designed to enhance community engagement with the arts. These include community arts projects, artist residencies, dance, film and music presentations, a free weekly summer concert series, and arts-based classes and workshops. JMKAC also administers an onsite arts-based preschool and offers a variety of programs for children, teens, adults, and educators. Accessibility services such as wheelchairs, portable stools, and descriptive tours with touch objects are available to ensure that all visitors can fully enjoy the center's offerings.
Arts/Industry Residency Program at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
JMKAC's renowned Arts/Industry residency program supports twelve artists annually, with four in residence at a time. Hosted by Kohler Co., the program provides artists with studio space, industrial materials, access to equipment, technical support, photographic services, housing, round-trip transportation, and a weekly honorarium. This residency encourages artists to push the boundaries of creative exploration within an industrial setting, thereby fostering innovative artistic expressions.
The Art Preserve at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Opened in 2021, the Art Preserve is the world’s first museum to focus entirely on work from art environments. It holds more than 25,000 works in JMKAC’s collection, including complete and partial environments created by over thirty artists. The Art Preserve serves as a permanent home for this unique collection, offering visitors an unparalleled experience of immersive environments. This facility underscores JMKAC's commitment to preserving and showcasing the diverse narratives within the realm of self-taught and contemporary art.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center Facilities
JMKAC boasts a comprehensive array of facilities designed to enrich the visitor experience. Alongside its eight galleries and two performance spaces, the center includes the Social STUDIO, a hands-on space for visitors to stretch their imagination, and an onsite Resource Center offering access to books, articles, photos, and more about the center’s collection and exhibitions. The CAFE provides seasonal specials and outdoor dining options, while the SHOP features a variety of merchandise including one-of-a-kind artist creations, jewelry, stationery, apparel, home goods, toys, and books, catering to the diverse interests of visitors.