Featured image: 2024 John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s Midsummer Festival of the Arts Emerging Artists Program inside the Matrix. Photo: Artdose Magazine.
Frank Juárez
Piloting a new program isn’t always easy. Some programs end and some continue for multiple reasons. Last year, the Emerging Artists Program was piloted with a cohort of 5 emerging artists from Wisconsin. Taking copious notes and plenty of photos provided the best backdrop to assess, reflect, and plan for year two. It created a recipe that allowed tweaks, adjustments, and redesigning. The willingness to address areas of concern, be open to listening to the artists’ needs, and collaborate continues to improve and build an inclusive art experience for artists, patrons, visitors, and families.
The Emerging Artists Program is a 3-day event that introduces a new cohort of emerging artists to the Sheboygan community bringing them together from across Wisconsin for camaraderie, support, and networking. This year’s cohort shared their creative process and artworks at Paradigm Coffee + Music on the evening of Friday, July 19th. The following morning they were introduced to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s art patron annual breakfast. Afterward, the art patrons visited the artists in the Matrix. The weekend was full of making connections, talking about their work to a new audience, answering questions, and of course, selling art.
What amazes me is how close these artists have become through this experience. A proud moment, indeed.
Images courtesy of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.
Photos
Photo: Artdose magazine.
Click here to read about the 2024 Emerging Artists Program Cohort and returning mentors.
Click here to read about the 2023 Emerging Artists Program Cohort.
About Artdose Magazine
Founded in 2013, Artdose Magazine LLC is an independent print and digital art magazine based in Wisconsin committed to connecting and supporting the visual arts in the Midwest. Published by Frank Juárez, the magazine is premised on the belief that we all share common goals of introducing, engaging, educating, and offering diverse art experiences. In 2023, our journey expanded to include the following states: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
About the John Michael Kohler Arts Center
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center (JMKAC), located north of Milwaukee in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, is known for promoting the understanding and appreciation of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists through exhibitions and commissioned works of art.
Founded in 1967, JMKAC has preserved, studied, and exhibited artist-built environments, earning a worldwide reputation. Art environments involve an individual significantly transforming their surroundings into an exceptional, multifaceted work of art.
The Arts Center’s downtown Sheboygan facility includes eight galleries, two performance spaces, a café, a museum shop, and a drop-in art-making studio. Among its program offerings are community arts projects; artist residencies; presentations of dance, film, and music; a free weekly summer concert series; classes and workshops; an onsite arts-based preschool; and approximately twelve original exhibitions of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists annually. JMKAC also administers the renowned Arts/Industry residency program, which is hosted by Kohler Co.
Source: jmkac.org