Emerging Artist Program at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center

Frank Juárez

On June 16, 2023, the John Michael Kohler Art Center‘s hosted its inaugural cohort of five emerging Wisconsin artists for an in-person gathering since their virtual zoom in April 2023. The idea of the emerging artist program was sparked by my observations during a Midsummer Festival of the Arts a few years back, which were shared with Ann Brusky, Deputy Director of Programming. In February 2023, a conversation began between Ann, Xoe, and I about what an emerging artist program could look like at JMKAC. Approaching this with an open mind and listening to the needs of emerging artists would guide us in developing a meaningful and impactful program.

Artists participating in this new programming are:

• Hector Acuna (Grafton) | @hectoracuna.studio
• Liala Amin (Milwaukee) | @lialathecreative
• Celeste Contreras (Milwaukee)| @celestazuchitl.arte
• Nehemiah Edwards (Milwaukee) | @nemogreater
• Sonia Vasquez (Manitowoc) | @soniavasquezart

The day began with lunch at the JMKAC Café and introductions. Objectives were to listen to the artists’ needs, answer questions, talk about the program, tour the arts center and its grounds, view current exhibitions, and meet JMKAC staff. Then headed to Ampersand Supply Co to meet co-owner Sally Carson, Paradigm Music + Coffee owner, Kate Krause and finish the day with a visit to the Art Preserve. Xoe Fiss, Education Program Director, gave a wonderful tour of the Art Preserve.

A good energy was felt throughout the day. Artists were excited to visit JMKAC and the Art Preserve for the first time. In four weeks, JMKAC will host their 53rd annual Midsummer Festival of the Arts aka MFA.

Photos

Photos by Artdose Magazine

Schedule of Events

For the past few months Artdose Magazine and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center have been collaborating on new programming for JMKAC’s upcoming Midsummer Festival of the Arts (MFA), July 15 & 16, 2023. This new programming is called the Emerging Artist Program in which five local artists have been invited to participate in this inaugural program. This program put the artists’ needs first to create programming around it. Join us as we celebrate these artists. 

This year’s cohort is Liala Amin (Milwaukee), Hector Acuna (Grafton), Celeste Contreras Skierski (Milwaukee), Nehemiah R. Edwards (Milwaukee), and Sonia Vasquez (Manitowoc).

Photos

Photos: Artdose Magazine