One mold can produce multiple ceramic pieces that are different from one another. This thought never occurred to me before my 1990 Kohler residency. Before my time at Kohler, I made and used ceramic press molds in my Colorado studio. One of my molds could produce multiple pieces that were close to identical. While at the factory I made two types of plaster molds: flat rectangular molds that were heavily textured and bas-relief molds that referenced plant forms. My plan was to attach the plant shapes to the flat textured pieces and hang them in multiples. Soon after I started pouring the textured molds I realized I had a problem. While the textures varied, the rectangular pieces were all the same size. That would not do. I wanted to pour a variety of textured shapes despite the fact that the flat molds were all the same size. What I needed was a mold that gave me a range of options even though the mold was not altered. At first this problem seemed insurmountable. However, the solution to the problem was fairly simple. I wrapped long coils of plastic clay with very thin dry cleaner’s plastic. For each pour, I pressed the coils into the flat molds to create a unique shape that served as a damn for the liquid clay. Every piece that emerged was an original shape and different from the others. It was so exciting to realize that a mold can produce multiple pieces that are one of a kind. Understanding that molds do not have to be used to create shapes that are replicas of one another has carried through in my studio work to the present. I continue to use bisque press molds, but now I use them in a non-traditional way. I doubt this would have happened without my time at the Kohler factory. Some of my Kohler pieces can be seen on my website: CarolKliger.com – Carol Kliger (Artist)

I had the privilege of participating in the Arts/Industry program from January to March of 2005. At the time, I had no prior experience working with hard materials like metal or casting, and I was fortunate to receive invaluable support from fellow artist Lauren Grossman and the incredibly helpful workshop staff. During my time there, my focus was primarily on creating five-pointed stars, each with one chipped tip—a theme that continues to resonate in various forms throughout my work today. One of my most cherished pieces from that period is a brass trophy, gifted to me by one of the manual grinders who graciously assisted in cleaning up my star casts. The trophy itself is a beautifully welded composition, crafted by the grinder from discarded remnants of miscastings and shop waste—sprues, wells, runners, vents, and other byproducts. Though I regret that I can no longer recall the name of the manual grinder, the memory of their kindness remains vivid, and the trophy now holds a place of honor alongside my other sculptures. It’s a shame I can’t attach a photo of it here. If there is a live schedule for the Alumni Gathering on YouTube or Zoom, I would greatly appreciate being informed. – Wonjoo Park (Artist)

My first residency at Kohler was in 1982, and what a spectacular three months it was. One day, I accidently cut my hand using a screwdriver. At one of the guard stations, I was able to get a band-aid that covered my small wound. The next morning, a Kohler ambulance came to studio area in the factory, and I was brought to the infirmary where my wound was washed and bandaged. I was then told to report for the next three mornings to have my hand whirlpooled. When you’re at the Kohler Company, you are well cared for. The rest of my time was very productive and enjoyable. Working with Terry Rosenberg and John Toki was a pleasure. At the end of my first residency, Ruth Kohler and I had lunch where I expressed my interest in returning to Kohler for a second residency, which I did in 1986. This residency was more productive than my first. I knew how the factory worked, and I took full advantage of it. I also made friends with several of the factory employees, especially Roly Horness who worked in the factory woodshop. He and I would exchange letters and cards for many years until his death. Additionally, Ruth and I remained in contact over the years, and I still recall her congratulating me on receiving a National Endowment Fellowship. She didn’t miss a beat… In addition to my two residencies, I was honored when the Kohler Company purchased one of my pieces. The last I heard; it occupied a space in the entrance into the foundry. The Kohler Arts/Industry residency program has been pivotal in my development as an artist, as I’m sure it has been for everyone who has participated. Thank you, Ruth, and to all who have played a role in making the program such a success. – Robert Lyon (Artist)

My time at Kohler exploded my idea of what was possible- The factory was such an inspiration to my process! – Liz Ensz (Artist)

I wish I could join the festivities! Living in NYC, I happen to be going back to Wisconsin for my god daughter’s wedding, but their three days of festivities are exactly the days of this reunion! Bittersweet indeed. Still I plan to get up to Kohler for a visit juuuust outside those days when I’ll be in Milwaukee, my hometown. Cheers! – Dave Kueger (Artist)

It was one of the greatest experiences of my life to have been an artist-in-residency at the KOHLER POTTERY. Working with the great model makers was like the finest school imaginable. The men in the pottery were wonderful and will always be remembered. Thank you to the great Ruth Kohler for creating this brilliant residency. – Mlriam Bloom (Artist)

Love, Art, Freedom – Pavel Kazek (Artist)