ARTS/INDUSTRY: COLLABORATION AND REVELATION This first-ever Arts/Industry retrospective exhibition includes nearly 350 works of art created at the Kohler Co by artists-in-residence from around the world.
This incredible exhibition surveys the 40-year history of Arts/Industry. It has been a groundbreaking program founded by the John Kohler Arts Center and supported and hosted by the Kohler Co. The exhibition is large and spans 14 galleries. The work is beautifully displayed with soft colored walls and creative lighting.
As some of you may know I worked in clay for 23 years. Every year I read about the program and saw samples of the work in the periodical Ceramics Monthly so finally seeing it at Kohler felt like a pilgrimage. It is very difficult to be accepted into the resident program, but once in the artist has access to the factory and a mentor from their staff. Many artist have breakthroughs with new materials, scale and design.
The gallery was thoughtfully laid out with the art playing off each other. The displays looked as if they were created specifically for this show. The gallery was painted an usually warm grey that was almost taupe. The gallery seemed to glow!
With over 350 pieces I was not able to get all of the names of all of the artists.
Arts/Industry offers artist the opportunity to create work of massive volume as well as vast quantities of components. The immensity of the space encourages artist to work large. Kohler supports emerging and mid career artists and the program is a great opportunity for artists.
"One of the most unusual aspects of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center is its six public bathrooms. They uphold the Art Center's philosophy that art can enliven, enrich, and inform every facet of life." - Kohler Co.
The Art Center commissioned six artist to transform the washrooms into works of art. The work was created at the Kohler factory. Only five of the rooms were open to visit when we visited.
The land was donated by Kohler for this state park. It has great boardwalk walking trails. It was beautiful even in the dormant season.