Detours and Side Roads: A Tribute to Ruth DeYoung Kohler II

Ruth Kohler believed in the arts as a catalyst of positive personal and social change. During her more than fifty years at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, she created a lasting legacy in the collection, exhibitions, and residency and community arts programs she established. Through her vision, hundreds of artists and thousands upon thousands of community members have shared creative, sometimes life-altering, experiences.

On November 14, 2020, Ruth died at her home in Kohler at the age of 79. Her leadership and friendship lit our way, and she will be greatly missed by all associated with the Arts Center. We will move forward inspired by her words: “Be open to detours and side roads—often they lead to the richest experiences.”

Detours and Side Roads honors Ruth’s life and legacy, and provides an opportunity to enter and experience her dynamic and visionary world. Staged in the former John Michael Kohler home, it features a selection of art, furniture, books, and objects from her Kohler residence. These illustrate the depth of Ruth’s passion for and commitment to the Arts Center, to visual and performing art and artists, and to the Sheboygan community—a passion so strong that in many ways her home was an extension of the Arts Center. Much like the artists who created the environments she so tirelessly championed and supported, Ruth created a home environment that was a physical expression of her history, ideas, and imagination, and proof of her generous spirit and profound creative vision.

We invite you to learn more about Ruth Kohler’s countless contributions to the arts and well-deserved accolades at the Art Center’s tribute at RuthKohlerTribute.com and the Kohler family’s tribute at CelebrateRuthKohler.com.