This year the Arts/Industry program, a unique collaboration between the John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC) and Kohler Co., celebrates its 35th anniversary.
Original memento by ceramist Jack Earl — 1973
Plastic Earth exhibit at JMKAC — June 24 – August 19, 1973
The program allows artists to work on the Kohler campus and gives them access to machinery and materials to create their works of art. Conceived by Ruth DeYoung Kohler II, Director of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the program emerged from a 1973 exhibit titled “Plastic Earth” held at the JMKAC and sponsored by Kohler Co. During the exhibition, more than 80 artists were invited to attend a one-day seminar held in the Kohler Co. pottery that included special demonstrations of industrial slip casting, glazing and firing methods. Kohler Co. engineers and industrial craftsmen were on hand to discuss the process with the artists.
Jack Earl was one of the first artists to participate in 1974.
Plastic Earth seminar, Kohler Co. Pottery — 1973
A four-week pilot residency began the following year. “Since then, Kohler Co. associates have been exposed to art on a daily basis and have come to appreciate the creativity and hard work that goes into each piece,” says Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Kohler Co. “Often working side-by-side with plant personnel, artists have gained a new and deep respect for the technical artistry of the factory workers.” Over 400 artists have participated in the residency program since its inception.
1974 exhibit at JMKAC titled “Four Weeks at Kohler” by Jack Earl and Tom LaDousa
Artists who are chosen to participate in the residency program usually donate a piece of their artwork to both Kohler and JMKAC. Many of the pieces in Kohler’s permanent collection are placed around Kohler campus and the Village of Kohler. Some collection pieces are permanently displayed for public viewing on the Kohler Art Walk.
If you’re an artist looking to participate in this residency, visit our Arts/Industry page.
Kohler Art Walk: David Anderson’s “Reclining Figure”, 1993, Cast Iron
Kohler Art Walk: Chris Weaver’s “The Deer Grill”, 1990, Cast Iron
Kohler Art Walk: Clee Richeson’s “Iron Jeans”, 1999, Cast Iron
Artist Anthony Cioe in the pottery.
Artist Nicole Awai in the pottery.
Artist Dan Gilsdorf in the foundry.
Artist Xiahong Zhang in the pottery.
Artist Billy Dufala in the foundry.
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