Collection Highlights: The Alchemists

Not unlike the alchemists of the past, who tried to transform lead into gold, the Arts/Industry artists-in-residence at Kohler Co. begin with similarly commonplace materials such as iron, sand, and porcelain clay. Through seemingly magical processes such as firing and casting, these materials are transmuted into works of art such as those included in this exhibition.

With a touch less mysticism and a substantially greater amount of labor, these artists-in-residence create their work in studios on the factory floor in the foundry and pottery at Kohler Co. From the body of work created during a residency, each artist gifts one piece to the Arts Center collection and one to Kohler Co.

The Alchemists exhibits the breadth of work produced by resident artists, as well as the long standing nature of this world renowned residency. The show also demonstrates the variety of artistic practices exercised during Arts/Industry residencies.

Included in the exhibition are works by artists Christina Antemann (in residence 2004, Pottery), Sharif Bey (in residence 2014, Pottery), Carol Emmons (in residence 2012, Pottery), Dan Engelke (in residence 1985, Pottery), Jens Gussek (in residence 2006, Pottery), Beth Katleman (in residence 1995, Foundry), Beth Lipman (in residence 2003 and 2015, Foundry), Jon Rappleye (in residence 2006, Pottery), Chris Stanley (in residence 1999, Pottery), Simon Toparovsky (in residence 1994 and 1995, Foundry), and S. Judson Wilcox (in residence 1984, Pottery).

Arts/Industry is administered by the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and generously hosted and funded by Kohler Co. Read more about Arts/Industry.