Wayside Days

“Be open to detours and side roads—often they lead to the richest experiences,”
advised former Arts Center Director Ruth DeYoung Kohler II.

Whether you arrive via side roads or take a detour from your daily routine, Wayside Days at the Art Preserve offer a time to embrace the spirit of Kohler’s words.

Wisconsin waysides have a long history as places for travelers to stretch their legs, picnic, and enjoy a bit of relaxation before continuing their journey.

Set at the Art Preserve, home to over thirty-five artist-built environments, Wayside Days will feature all the amenities found at a wayside and more.  There will be moments to move to live music, picnic, stroll the grounds, and be inspired by the compelling works of art created by people who have come with a broad spectrum of life experiences.

Thursday, August 15 – Saturday, August 17
At the Art Preserve
Free admission

Festivities begin Thursday, August 15, when the Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series moves to the Art Preserve grounds for its final concert of the year. Headlining the show will be South Asian-American jazz musician Sunny Jain and the Wild Wild East. Jain says the band’s new album looks at “…the multiple identities of an immigrant—in my case being Indian American—not just this longing for South Asia and India, but the fact that I am American and there’s many complex interactions within all that.”

As with the other Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series concerts, the grounds open at 5:30 p.m., with an opening band performing at 6:00 p.m. followed by Sunny Jain and the Wild Wild East at 7:00 p.m. Enjoy food and drinks offered for sale at the food trucks and beverage tent—or pack a picnic! Be sure to bring your blankets and lawn chairs.

Friday, August 16, features the opportunity for guests to sign up for guided tours of the Art Preserve. The compelling works of art inside the Art Preserve—created by people with a broad spectrum of life experiences—are sure to inspire all ages of visitors. The end of day will feature an invitation-only cocktail reception for the Arts Center Benefactor-level and above members.

Saturday, August 17, Wayside Days fun will be happening at two locations: the Art Preserve and the James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden in nearby Black River. The day will feature walking tours of the grounds, discussions of invasive plants, learning about conservation from the Arts Center Collections staff, hands-on art making, and refreshments.

More information can be found at jmkac.org/events in the weeks to come.