Juxtapoz Art and Culture-Spring_2019

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TRAVEL INSIDER

Brooklyn or LA, there was no sizing up or staring
down; folks seemed content to enjoy their coffee
and pass off a newcomer with a greeting and a
smile. If this sounds familiar, please cherish that
coffee shop with your life.

Our destination was The John Michael Kohler Arts
Center, a recently renovated arts museum created
from its namesake’s prestigious art collection
and patronage. Founded in 1966, the arts center

serves as a creative hub for the region through

community outreach and strong programming.

The exterior is populated with rock and concrete

sculptures that nudge the building into the

surrounding landscape, and upon entering, it’s a

place that feels quite separate from Sheboygan.

Once visitors pass through the entrance, especially

in the aforementioned Wisconsin winter, they’ll

naturally walk towards the coatroom. Once that’s

done, it’s probably a good idea to stop by the

bathroom, specifically to see the fabulous mosaic

installations within. On each wall are painted tiles

adorned with images of numerous architectural

marvels, such as the Egyptian Pyramids, Chichen

Itza, the Statue of Liberty, and other visual stories

that chronicle humankind’s predisposition to

build monuments. Even the toilets sport matching

decor, perhaps not surprising given Kohler

technology...

Top left: Cynthia Consentino, The Women’s Room (detail, west wing women’s room), Vitreous china and glaze, 2005. John Michael Kohler Arts Center Collection. Right: Matt Nolen, The Social History
of Architecture (detail), Vitreous china and glaze, 1999. John Michael Kohler Arts Center Collection. Middle: Carl Peterson, Untitled, Concrete, shell, metal, and paint, 35” x 36.75” x 36.75”, c. 1925- c.1935.
Bottom left: Carl Peterson, Untitled, Concrete, stone, metal, and paint, 72” x 86” x 64”, c. 1925- c.1935.