This quote was not originally John Michael Kohler's, but he truly championed its meaning and integrated its spirit into the businesses he built, the work he provided for his employees, and the causes he supported. John Ruskin: "Life without labor is guilt; labor without art is brutality." The JMK Art Museum celebrates art that is created not so much by highly trained or famous artists, but by regular people who have found sincere and approachable ways to express themselves. That is what makes the experience feel so genuine and human. I very much enjoyed all of the installations in this small but distinguished museum. It is thoughtfully curated, inspiring, and quietly powerful in its message. I would absolutely enjoy coming back to see future installations. A real gem for Wisconsin. ps - And don't forget to check out all of the bathrooms! read more

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This was one of the reasons I came to visit Sheboygan. The people working the front desk were super thorough and explaining how the arts center is set up. This art center is one of the best I've been to because of the variety of art I loved exploring all of the bathrooms. Those were some of my favorite, and I also really enjoyed the exhibit that had a variety of art from artists and hobbyists all over Wisconsin with different medias. For a free arts center I spent about an hour exploring. Add this to your list of Sheboygan visits. read more

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Lovely galleries and friendly welcoming staff to assist you. The building is beautiful with lots of natural light and open spaces. There is a cafe that was so good we ate there twice! Go! read more

Well worth spending a few hours. Lots to see. Who knew going to the bathroom could be such an aesthetic treat? Check out the other museum too, with exhibits made from natural materials. read more

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FREE! Very interesting! Very nice space for residents and visitors alike. The Arts Center is not just a museum, but a generous portion of the facility is set aside for the museum. The collection is not going to be to everyone's liking overall, as much of it is non-traditional and some a bit challenging. But it is FREE! So why not take a little time to visit? If you are in Sheboygan, I don't know why you wouldn't stop by. read more

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A nice time if varied "stuff". It was a nice pop-in and free. Lots of variety... and don't miss the bathrooms.

This was a great surprise to find in such an out of the way place as Sheboygan WI. A first rate exhibit of collections and exhibitions. I literally had a smile on my face for my entire brief visit - brief only because we were on a time limit to get to Green Bay. I could have stayed 3 times as long. There was lots of folk and ethnic folk, some dabbling in the super natural, some using objects of nature. It was odd, scary, beautiful, confrontational and hilarious. One exhibit looked like it was lifted from an mad scientist / taxidermist that yearned to be an artist or maybe a hoarder. They also are getting ready to install a reconstructed house from the original Rhinestone Cowboy. Admission is free but $5 recommended. And the restrooms are worth a visit even if the galleries were closed. Take a bow Sheboygan! read more

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This is a pretty average art gallery. It's big, but it feels empty because there's not as many pieces as there could be. It probably doesn't take more than an hour to walk around the whole place. It's modern art, which is not my forte but it was interesting enough. There were some pieces that I liked, but now that I'm home and away from the center, I couldn't tell you any of them. I guess they just blended together after awhile. The kids' gallery is the most interesting and the most colorful. I wish I had been that creative at this age. This is going to sound weird too, but you also should check out the bathrooms. They're pretty awesome looking. My favorite part was the little gift shop at the end. It's full of art books and pieces, as well as toys and games for kids and home decor items. I ended up getting a book on how to draw, since I was feeling rather inspired by the end of it all. It's free/donation only to get in, so it's a great place to take kids on a rainy day. It's also a good place to go if you love modern art, I'd imagine. But I've been there once, and that'll probably be enough to last me. read more

Here for the art festival and needed to use the ladies room. What a treat and I hear the men's room is a treat as well read more

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I enjoyed the exhibits at this museum. I've been here for two different shows. The people are okay. One of the big deals are the bathrooms. From the photos you can see there are fun tiles and sinks with the illusion that there are undergarments in it. The bathroom alone is worth the trip. read more

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This was our second visit and we really enjoyed the funky folk art focus of this free museum. It is a relatively small museum but both times the exhibits were really fascinating. And you cannot believe the bathrooms - stunning. Free parking in their lost across the street. This is a real asset to the community. read more

Fantastic place, just enough museum. Bathrooms are incredible. The shows are wonderful. Just GO.

One of the biggest art centers in the state of Wisconsin, or so I hear! This state of the art center is modern, slick and with clean, structurally advanced amenities. From the restrooms, to the children's play/art room, to the Art Cafe. It's obvois the community really knows how to utilize the space. When i went, the children's room was filled with art projects and kids working with an instructor. The main art gallery was being used by a young girls ballet company to rehearse while patrons walked around and viewed the work on display. There were clusters of moms with babies at the cafe and strolling through the galleries admiring the art; and a few scattered couples on an afternoon date making each other's creative juices flow by engaging in conversations about the art. Not too much actual art in the galleries, but the amount that they do have is quality work, It was a nice surprise to find this oasis in the middle of nowhere Sheboygan! Who knew this small quaint little town would have such wealth in modern art. If you are in the area, i say it's definitely worth a visit. You won't spend more than an hour! read more

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Outstanding collection of outsider art, and various other unusual (in a good way) shows throughout the year. Always beautifully-presented and thought-provoking for adults and children. Don't miss the Mary Nohl display. read more

This is a wonderfully presented and surprisingly adventurous art museum that's only a short drive away from Milwaukee. I'm surprised it took me so long to hear about it, given that it's been critically acclaimed in the national media. I especially enjoyed the museum's focus on a common theme, folk art, which as I understand it, means that they carry work from self-trained artists. This lends itself to some very non-traditional pieces. One particularly unusual and fascinating collection at the Kohler Art Center is Emery Blagdon's Healing Machine, which reminded me a lot of Jame's Hampton's Throne of the Third Heaven at the National Portrait Gallery in DC. The Kohler did a great job recreating Blagdon's workshop and sustaining the effect of his original setup in a walk-in presentation. Part of what makes this display so thought provoking is that the museum makes an effort to post the back-story of Blagdon, his reason for making the art, and his process of creating it. The museum does a good job presenting artists' complete work as a single picture, which allows you to get a better idea of common themes existing among all the pieces. Also of note is the museum's bathroom art that covers just about every inch of tile in both the men's and women's facilities, right down to the interiors of the toilets. This is an excellent day trip for art enthusiasts in Milwaukee or Chicago. The museum is beautiful, the art is well explained with posted information, and you can make your way through the entire building in a mere 90 minutes. Finally, it's free admission, which is always nice. read more

There are many ways to consider JMKAC. They make art free (donations requested) and accessible to anyone. They do work hard to bring art out of buildings through community projects. They see art as more than the traditional and as only made by "artists". They cross cut the social and economic strata of Sheboygan They have the best bathrooms to rest in. They have excellent and diverse offerings for classes ( I drove up from MKE for a week long mold making class, worth it) They have a better gift shop than MAM, imo. They do private events and have a cafe. Go, have fun, make a day trip and stop by Paradigm Cafe on 8th while you are there. read more

This art center has something for everyone - so I'll just include a few highlights. The bathrooms themselves are works of art. Yes, it's Kohler - but it's been painted. The women's bathroom near the main entrance, for example, features whimsical tile walls that feel a bit like Alice in Wonderland; the sinks and stalls have painted hoisery in them, and the tiles near the floor show shoes of all types. The exhibitions change often and are often installations made by artists in residence. No old masters here. Things I have seen here: gigantic pieces like a 50 foot tall curtainy painted piece and a giant baloony structure that inflated and deflated; tiny pencil drawings the size of a quarter; art made by area students; portraits drawn from memory by an artist and accompanying drawings done by community members; art by several Hmong artists, "outsider art" from the Rhinestone Cowboy and others. They also have great events like First Fridays, dance performances, concerts... I've been to one First Friday and one dance performance, and both were amazing in different ways. The ARTcafe is a great deal if you're onsite. Their soups are often gluten free, which is a nice find in a smaller town. If you like contemporary art, this is a must see. If you aren't sure if you like it, you should check it out. read more

Sorry John Michael Kohler Arts Center, I have seen much much better creative displays in places far smaller then Sheboygan. My wife and I were very disappointed as one-time visitors back Sunday after four years. I know what I'm talking about for I actually won two Art Institute of Chicago student scholarships. Thank heavens we drove over from Wade House being up this way rather then making a special trip. The massive and room filling west wing exhibits were a waste of time and totally sad to see being on display. Tons of paper is not art, it is waste. Broken pottery pieces of birds from vandalism is not something to be promoted. Two big empty galleries told us this was indeed going to be a "short stay." Sadly, when the best you have to show is Kohler plumbing in the Rest Rooms, I hope you have some very outstanding community programs. We were out in just 17 minutes! read more

The space is a combination of a contemporary building with an original Kohler home. The artwork throughout the center features a wide array of materials and styles. We were BEYOND pleasantly surprised by the center. By the way, make sure that you see the restrooms. read more

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Such a beautiful building and absolutely beautiful exhibits. It was laid out very well. Current exhibits include a science theme, 1930s portraits, preschoolers art, self portraits, and "living rooms" in the rooms of the historic house. Free (suggested donation $6 adults, $2 kids). read more

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A very different sort of museum. Some pieces were beautiful, some horrifying, and many just, well, weird! But it is definitely unique and worth a visit since it's free! read more

John Michael Kohler Arts Center - Art Galleries Near Me - Sheboygan, Wisconsin

This is now one of my favorite places ever. All the art was so unique and thoughtful. All the pieces were so beautiful and worked well with each other. I am very impressed. There is also an interactive art center where you can draw and touch fabrics. Also- go to the bathrooms right when you walk in. Trust me, it's unforgettable. read more

John Michael Kohler Arts Center - Here a group of small children look at a colorful sculpture - Art Galleries Near Me - Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Was visiting Sheboygan for the weekend and needed a little time away from the pool. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center was the perfect activity! The staff was very welcoming and patient with our young ones. The art was interesting and well curated. The ArtEry section was really fun for the kids - they were able to paint and collaborate on art that will be used in an upcoming display. Definitely worth the trip! read more