feature image: L to R – R-Lo, Green Goodies, Añamarié Edwards, Geornica Daniels, Fernando Rico, and Leovardo Aguilar. Photo: Artdose magazine.
By Frank Juárez
This past weekend, Artdose and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center hosted its Summer 2025 Emerging Artists Program. What began two summers ago has grown from a collaboration to a partnership. The goal of the program is to provide professional support and opportunities for underrepresented artists in Wisconsin. The program continues to evolve, guided by the artists’ ideas. Education, advocacy, and representation are pillars of this program.
The Matrix was transformed into a space that sparked curiosity, conversations, and connections featuring sculpture, performance, mixed media, paintings, and drawings. Each artist shared their cultural and creative backgrounds, influences, personal stories, ideas, and artistic journeys with the community. Observing a group of artists, from across the state, becoming a close-knit family in a short period as a result of this experience warms my heart. Artists need the opportunity to grow, network, and uplift one another.
The program began with an artist talk at Paradigm Coffee + Music (thanks, Kate) with a brief introduction from the organizers on July 18th, followed by a series of artists’ talks from mentors, Geornica Daniels and Fernando Rico, and the new cohort, Leovardo Aguilar, Anamarie Edwards, Green Goodies, and R-Lo. The evening provided a way to learn and engage with the artists. This event helped set the stage for the weekend.
The following day, JMKAC hosted its Art Patron Breakfast. Towards the end of breakfast, Amy Horst, Executive Director, welcomed the art patrons and introduced me to say a few words about the emerging artists program. Afterwards, I introduced each artist, who shared a bit about themselves and their practice. This immediately caught the attention of the art patrons, leading them to learn more about their work by walking into the Matrix.
After the Art Patron Breakfast, it was business as usual. The artists engaged with the community through art, conversation, and a performance. Conversations ranged from a few minutes to 10-15 minutes, emphasizing the importance and need for this program. I hope the community leaves with an appreciation for the art, their stories, and the artists behind the artwork. Each body of work delivers identity, creative process, and a place of belonging.
New programming takes time to build. Being open to ideas, assessing, and making changes allows it to develop into an impactful art experience. This program would not be possible without the support of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center and its amazing staff. Thank you, Lisa, Nora, Ann, and Amy!
Rumor on the street is that there will be some collaborations between the artists.
A recording of the artist talks will be provided in the near future by JMKAC. Stay tuned.
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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 engaging, educating, and offering diverse art experiences to our audience and readership.
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
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Frank Juárez is an award-winning art educator, curator, arts writer, and arts advocate based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin. Known for his commitment to elevating contemporary art and supporting Wisconsin artists, Juárez has spearheaded numerous initiatives, including the Midwest Artist Studios Project and the 365 Artists 365 Days Project. In addition to his roles as publisher of Artdose magazine and editor-in-chief of SchoolArts magazine, Juárez has curated exhibitions and juried art shows throughout the Midwest. His dedication to art education and advocacy has earned him numerous accolades, making him a pivotal figure in Wisconsin’s art community.