More than 130 artists will offer original works of art for sale at the free Midsummer Festival of the Arts, July 20-21 at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in downtown Sheboygan. Photo courtesy of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.

Fascinating works of art, music by Chicken Wire Empire (center), and fun art making will highlight Midsummer Festival of the Arts, July 20-21 at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center.

Now in its 49th year, the festival is held on the Arts Center grounds at 608 New York Ave. in downtown Sheboygan, Wis.

One hundred, thirty-five artists from across the nation have been juried into this highly lauded festival. An astounding variety of works will be available in booths along the tree-lined streets around the Arts Center. Choose from among paintings, photographs, jewelry, leather, sculpture, ceramics, art glass, wearable art, and even more categories. Whether in search of an original work of art for the home, office, or garden, or special gifts for family and friends, festivalgoers are sure to find many treasures.

Festivalgoers will be treated to outstanding live performances on Sheboygan’s City Green by four bands. Saturday’s concerts begin at 11:30 a.m. with Copper Box’s crowd-pleasing Cajun swamp-rock, followed by La Misa Negra’s Latin alternative sounds from 2:30 to 5 p.m. On Sunday, bluegrass takes center stage with Chicken Wire Empire at 11 a.m. Bella’s Bartok continues the show at 2 p.m. with its blend of klezmer, punk and pop. The free concerts are part of the Levitt AMP Sheboygan Music Series.

Art making for all ages will include designing a planter to take home, trying your hand at the potter’s wheel, creating an imaginary creature to display in a specimen jar and other hands-on activities. A nominal fee applies to some projects.

The Arts Center’s galleries will be open and admission is free, so take time to view the fascinating works of art in the Mise en Scène exhibition series. These four exhibitions present works of contemporary art by artists who approach the world as a stage.

While inside the Arts Center, get in on the excitement of a bidding contest at the silent auction of art donated by the festival artists to benefit Arts Center programming.

A visit to the food trucks or the Arts Center’s own charming ARTcafe will recharge festivalgoers’ energy reserves. Choose from a variety of Sheboygan favorites including cheese curds, bratwurst, ice cream, and much more.

Admission to the festival, including the concerts and exhibitions, is free. Make plans now to meet friends and family for a marvelous midsummer outing. Visit jmkac.org/midsummer for more information.

Midsummer Festival of the Arts is supported by Bank First National. Additional support is provided by Black Pig, Midwest Communication, Visit Sheboygan, Meijer, Pepsi Lakeside Bottling Co., Torke Family Coffee Roasters, and Mountain Promotions.

About the John Michael Kohler Arts Center: Founded in 1967, the John Michael Kohler Arts Center is dedicated to making innovative arts programming accessible to a broad audience that ranges from artists and academics to families and youth of all ages. Central to its mission is promoting understanding and appreciation of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists through original exhibitions, commissioned works of art, performing arts programs, community arts initiatives, and publications. The Arts Center’s collections focus primarily on works by vernacular-environment builders, self-taught and folk artists, and works created in the Arts/Industry residency program.

Looking to the future, the Arts Center continues to generate new explorations in the arts that foster creative exchanges between an international community of artists and a diverse public, making real the power of the arts to transform lives and strengthen communities. The John Michael Kohler Arts Center is supported by corporate and foundation donors, government grants, and its many members. The Arts Center is not an entity of Kohler Co. or its subsidiaries. More information about the Arts Center can be found at jmkac.org.

Visitor Information

Admission to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center is by voluntary donation. Arts Center members receive a discount on performance and other event tickets, classes and camps tuition, purchases at ARTspace gift shops, and free or discounted admission to many special events. Memberships are available at the Arts Center, by visiting jmkac.org, and/or by calling 920-458-6144.

Arts Center Hours: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; Saturdays and Sundays: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Arts Center is open at other times for special events.