Arts/Industry Alumni Gathering
Thursday, October 24, through Saturday, October 26, 2024
Please join us in celebrating 50 Years of Arts/Industry!
Arts/Industry invites alumni back to Sheboygan and Kohler for a multiday event celebrating the artists, factory, and folks who have contributed to the program’s success over the last 50 years.
During the Alumni Gathering, guests can tour the Kohler factory, participate in demonstrations, connect with fellow alumni, and experience exhibitions highlighting milestones of the program.
Please register by September 1 and be sure to sign up for tours, receptions, and activities.
Itinerary
9:00 a.m. (Open from 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
Kohler Design Center Tour
Self Guided
101 Upper Rd, Kohler, WI
The Kohler Design Center is a three-level showcase of innovative product design and technology, creative achievement and American history. Free and open to the public.
9:00 a.m. & 10:00 a.m.
Kohler Factory Tours
101 Upper Rd, Kohler, WI
[Registration Required]
Take a tour through the vast expanse of the Kohler factory. From the heat of the cast iron to the sights of the enameling, you will experience the rich history of the products and workers that have made Kohler a giant in the plumbing industry. Register for an enriching three-mile tour through the facility guided and narrated by knowledgeable retired employees.
1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center Curator Led Tour
608 New York Ave, Sheboygan WI
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Arts/Industry, the Arts Center has dedicated nearly all galleries to displaying our Arts/Industry collection, current residents’ work, artwork from associates, and many more! Interested in learning more about the work? You can find exhibition information here.
Please meet in the lobby of the Arts Center at the start of your tour.
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Art Preserve Tour
Self Guided with Docents
3636 Lower Falls Rd, Sheboygan, WI
The Art Preserve is a satellite campus of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center that houses its collection of artist-built environments and sculptural works. Guests are welcome to explore the Art Preserve at their own pace. Docents will be stationed throughout the Art Preserve to assist with any curiosities!
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Welcome Toast at Art Preserve
3636 Lower Falls Rd, Sheboygan, WI
[Registration Required]
Meet and mingle with fellow Arts/Industry Alumni as we kick off a weekend of celebration.
Light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments will be provided.
9:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Factory Demonstration Day
Meeting Location: 765K Woodlake Rd., Kohler, WI (next to Bold Cycle)
In the spirit of “4 Weeks at Kohler,” the pilot event that started Arts/Industry, Alumni are welcomed back into the factory to revisit the studios, participate in demonstrations by Kohler Co. associates, and learn about Kohler’s advanced resources for artists.
At 9:00 a.m., we will meet at the Arts/Industry 50th Collective for a continental breakfast and to be put into groups. From there, groups will tour the various departments within the Kohler factory. Midday lunch will be served, and seating will be available throughout the demonstration tour.
9:00 – Guests meet at the Arts/Industry 50th Collective
9:45 – Shuttle will leave promptly for the Factory.
10:00 – Factory Day Begins
12:30 – Lunch and Presentation
1:30 – Factory Day Continues
2:00 – Hands-on Activity in Foundry
3:00 – Depart Factory
Be sure to register in advance.
1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center Curator Led Tour
608 New York Ave, Sheboygan, WI
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of Arts/Industry, the Arts Center has dedicated nearly all galleries to displaying our Arts/Industry collection, current residents’ work, artwork from associates, and many more! Interested in learning more about the work? You can find exhibition information here.
Please meet in the lobby of the Arts Center at the start of your tour.
3:00–5:00 p.m.
Art Preserve Tour
Self Guided with Docents
3636 Lower Falls Rd, Sheboygan, WI
The Art Preserve is a satellite campus of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center that houses its collection of artist-built environments and sculptural works. Guests are welcome to explore the Art Preserve at their own pace. Docents will be stationed throughout the Art Preserve to assist with any curiosities!
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Alumni Reception at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Ave, Sheboygan, WI
[Registration Required]
Time to celebrate! Arts/Industry alumni, former and current Kohler associates, friends of the program, and current residents are welcome to reconnect and reflect on their time in the Factory. Refreshments and heavy appetizers will be provided, as well as music by Haven Falk.
10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Panel Discussion at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Ave, Sheboygan WI
[Registration Required]
Mary Jo Bole (Foundry 2007, Pottery 1998), Willie Cole (Pottery, 2000), Azza El Siddique (Pottery, 2022), and Beth Lipman (Foundry 2015, Pottery 2003) will discuss the importance and impact of art and industry integration and of having artists in nontraditional environments. Panel discussion will be moderated by JMKAC Chief Curator, Jodi Throckmorton.
12:00–4:00 p.m.
Community Day at John Michael Kohler Arts Center
608 New York Ave, Sheboygan WI
Enjoy an afternoon of Arts/Industry community engagement! Alumni and visitors alike can partake in several activities happening in and around the Arts Center. Join Arts/Industry alumnus Justin Favela for a collaborative family fiesta, participate in a Workplace exhibition workshop, or witness a live iron pour as you would see in the factory!
All activities are free and open to the public. Registration is required for some events.
Share Your Arts/Industry Story
Travel Information
Whether you’re visiting from afar or travelling from the town over, we hope your trip is as comfortable as it is special. Below are some links to help you plan your trip! Have questions about your upcoming trip? Please email artsindustry@jmkac.org and we will do our best to assist.
Where to Stay
There are many options available for lodging in and around Sheboygan and Kohler. We suggest checking out Grandstay, American Club, and Inn on Woodlake.
Where to Eat
There are numerous dining options available in and around Sheboygan, but these are the places we can’t get enough of: Il Ritrovo, Black Pig, Driftwood, Stefanos, Field to Fork, Slo Food, and Paradigm! Check out their menus and be sure to make a reservation in advance.
What to Do
Although the weekend will be packed with Alumni Gathering fun, you may want to do a little site-seeing while in town. Check out current happenings in the area as well as some beaches and parks while you’re here!
Join your fellow alumni who will be attending!
Arts/Industry is a unique collaboration between the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and Kohler Co. This residency program is administered by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and generously hosted and funded by Kohler Co. Additional support for the 50th Anniversary of Arts/Industry is provided by the Mellon Foundation.
