John Michael Kohler Arts Center

• Exhibitions Staff annually originates 12-22 curated exhibitions that are part of 2-3 broad themes exploring relevant issues in contemporary art and are accompanied by substantive critical yet accessible writings plus introductory videos and catalogues for major projects. Exhibitions focus on a wide range of concepts and issues—emphasizing installation works, new genres, craft-related forms, and the work of self-taught artists.
• Collections JMKAC is acclaimed for its partnership to preserve vernacular art environments and has developed an unprecedented collection of 15,000+ works that were in jeopardy. Among other collections are folk art textiles and works by self-taught artists.
• Connecting Communities brings together superb American artists in order to collaborate with underserved constituencies on the creation of major original works and thus strengthen and unite the community.
• Performing Arts presents 4 series:  3- to 4-day residencies and single performances by artists worldwide by 5 compa­nies yearly (e.g., Stephen Petronio Dance (NY), Esperanza Spaulding Trio (MA), Dobet Gna­horé (Ivory   Coast), Minh Tran & Company (OR)).  
• Arts/Industry, now 45 years old, provides 24/7 access to an industrial pottery, iron/brass foundry, and enamel shop through 2- to 6-month residencies for 16+ artists annually to create bodies of new work not possible in their studios.  
• Education efforts deepen the impact of exhibitions and other programs through The Social Studio (previously The ARTery), a free hands-on learning space at JMKAC’s entrance that provides an introduction to the exhibitions; an arts-based preschool; classes; lectures; interactive tours; and programs for schools, universities, daycare centers, shelters, persons with dementia, the elderly, etc.

Founded in 1967 in Sheboygan, WI, The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) is a 501(c)(3) contemporary arts center that annually reaches more than 200,000+ adults and youth. Devoted primarily to American art, JMKAC serves as originator of exhibitions and critical writings, steward of groundbreaking collections, laboratory for the creation of new works, nurturer of interdisciplinary initiatives, presenter of performing arts, educator, and community builder. In essence, it is a catalyst and explorer of new art and ideas that im­pact artists and public.