Tokens of Appreciation

Tokens of Appreciation considers the meaningful and unexpected relationships that develop between Kohler Co. factory associates and Arts/Industry residents who come to the factory to create art.

For many Arts/Industry residents, it is their first time entering a factory; for some, it is also their first time working with clay or metal. Kohler Co. associates such as “Brass” Bob Halfmann have had an undeniable impact on the ultimate success of uncountable residents in the factory’s Pottery and Foundry over the years.

Halfmann is one of the most notable and influential figures in the history of John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s Arts/Industry program. The recently retired Halfmann, an engineering technician III at Kohler Co., oversaw the melt operation for all the brass made into faucets and fittings as well as artworks. Tokens of Appreciation features works from Halfmann’s personal collection of hundreds of objects created by residents, given to him as tokens of their gratitude for his help. The exhibition also includes works of art donated to the Arts Center by Arts/Industry artists-in-residence.

Gallery handout