By Kristine Hansen | Photo by Liz Lauren

SHEBOYGAN’S IMMERSIVE ARTS CENTER IS BIGGER THAN EVER

John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s interest in large-scale, art environment installations — crafted by self-taught artists using found objects like driftwood, animal bones, wires, glass and otherwise discarded household objects — hasn’t gone unnoticed by the art world.

But only a handful could exhibit at once inside the downtown Sheboygan museum. Come June, however, 17 of the museum’s collections of artist-built environments will be on view at the newly-built 56,000-square-foot, three-story Art Preserve. The new building is just a few miles away from the main location and resides adjacent to a restful nature preserve.

Among the artists whose work will be on view are the late Eugene Von Bruenchenhein — who resided in the Milwaukee area and whose work wasn’t discovered until after his death in 1983. His little Milwaukee home was brimming with self-made sculptures, crowns and vibrant photography of his wife, Marie. New Orleans- born Dr. Charles Smith’s works are another must-see, known for his concrete sculptures commemorating Black lives from slavery to today. artpreserve.org

THEATER AL FRESCO WITH THE AMERICAN PLAYERS THEATRE

Early June through early October 2021, Spring Green

Wherefore art thou if you’re not at the 44-year-old outdoor theater company’s 1,089-seat Hill Theatre on the edge of your seat during a Shakespeare show or a famed playwright’s raucous comedy? It’s second only to St. Louis’ The Muny as the Midwest’s largest outdoor classical theater. Arrive early, with wine and a picnic, to feast on the grounds before walking up the hill to the theatre. americanplayers.org

OSHKOSH PUBLIC MUSEUM

Through June 20, 2021, Oshkosh

Forty-four years after the first “Star Wars” film graced the silver screen, Wisconsin’s largest public display of vintage and original “Star Wars” toys has landed. The “Nostalgia Awakens” exhibit features action figures, playsets and vehicles manufactured by Kenner between 1978 and 1985. Make sure to purchase your tickets in advance. oshkoshmuseum.org

NATIONAL BOBBLEHEAD HALL OF FAME AND MUSEUM

Open daily, Milwaukee

Did you know the world’s largest collection of bobbleheads is on view in Milwaukee’s Walker’s Point neighborhood? Spanning public figures in the sports world and characters depicted on television shows, the collection clocks in at around 6,500 figures. bobbleheadhall.com

ART IN THE PARK

Aug. 14-15, 2021, Lake Geneva

Downtown Lake Geneva’s Flat Iron Park transforms into an art gallery featuring works by 80 artists across various media, including jewelry, watercolor, fiber art, glass, painting, photography, printmaking, mixed media and pottery. Tiny tykes can play in the “Just for Kids” arts-focused activities area. genevalakeartsfoundation.org

Author

Kristine Hansen is a freelance writer who calls Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood home.

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