Feature image: L to R: R-Lo, Jade Pergl, Cassandra Xiong, Matthew Braunginn, Amanda Langer, and Brianna Stehling Santacruz. Photo: Artdose magazine.
By Frank Juárez
In 2023, an idea was born. An idea that would bring artists from across Wisconsin into Sheboygan. That idea was to create an experience that would provide emerging artists with professional guidance and support to aid them in their artistic journeys.
To date, 13 emerging artists have moved on to bigger things. Some began collaborations with each other, some have gone to pursue an MFA, some have had solo exhibitions, some turned into advocates, some facilitated workshops during the Midsummer Festival of the Arts, and some became mentors. I am excited to add our 2026 Cohort Matthew Braunginn, Amanda Langer, Jade Pergl, Brianna Stehling Santacruz, and Cassandra Xiong to this list under the mentorship of R-Lo.
The 2026 Artdose x John Michael Kohler Arts Center Emerging Artists Program concluded on Sunday, July 19, at JMKAC. Artists were engaged in conversations with each other and the Sheboygan community. You could feel the excitement in the air. Matthew invited people to sit, relax, and look at a painting accompanied by a specific playlist. Amanda welcomed them to feel the texture of her sculptures with white gloves. R-Lo performed a live drawing session in which they saw his process as well as contribute to a collaborative charcoal drawing. Brianna’s installation invited them to sit and ponder about mental health and wellness. A community collage was facilitated by Cassandra.
It was wonderful to see these artists in tune with each other. The Matrix was transformed into a place of comfort and an opportunity to pause. As the artist consultant, the excitement and pride that was felt during the event reaffirms why this program is so important in building a supportive art community.
I would like to thank Lisa, Ann, Alexis, and Charles from the John Michael Kohler Arts Center for their continued support.
Artist Talks at Paradigm Coffee and Music
Emerging Artists Program inside JMKAC’s Matrix
Photos: Artdose magazine
About 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
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.
For updates, follow us on Instagram.
Links
2026 Emerging Artists Program Cohort
2026 Emerging Artists Tour Art Preserve and the John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Cultivating an Emerging Artists Community
Artdose x John Michael Kohler Arts Center Emerging Artists Program Returns
2024 Emerging Artists Program at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center Midsummer Festival of the Arts
Artdose Magazine Announces 2024 Emerging Artists Program Cohort
Emerging Artist Program at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center
Interested in learning about the emerging artists program? Contact us.
