For fifty years, the Arts/Industry residency program has given space for meaningful connections between the arts and industry. At the core of those moments are the Kohler Co. factory associates—mechanics, engineers, technicians, mold makers, and many more. They work side-by-side with the artists, giving time, sharing skills and knowledge, and often opening their homes and personal lives.

Lunch Break: Arts/Industry in Between celebrates that powerful exchange between artist and associate through artwork made in the factory. It brings forward the conversations and relationships that happen as a result of making art.

This exhibition focuses on artwork made by residency artists that celebrates the associates or that exemplifies the cooperative learning that takes place at the factory. The works on view are drawn primarily from the Arts/Industry collections of JMKAC and Kohler Co. Each artist gifts one work to each organization at the end of their residency,

Art objects made by associates while on break from their duties or after hours are also shown. In addition, a selection of artist gifts to associates will be on display. It is not uncommon for artists to thank associates by giving them small works of art created during the residencies.

The art made in the factory over the half century of the Arts/Industry program is special—but the kinship between artists and associates is what makes this residency extraordinary.

Artists featured include Ann Agee, Michelle Grabner, Patrick Earl Hammie, Sarah Khan, Tom LaDousa, Jack Earl, Beth Lipman, Karen Massaro, Richard Notkin, Risa Puno, Nirmal Raja, David Ross Harper, Laurel Roth Hope, and Timea Tihanyi, among others.

Image: Joe DiStefano, (from left) Saturday: It's Your Turn To Do The Dishes Ralph. Sure, Nadine, 1976; vitreous china, metal, and glaze; 20 5/8 x 25 1/4 x 15 1/8 in., Friday: Is That Lipstick On Your Collar, Ralph?, 1976; vitreous china, metal, and glaze; 20 5/8 x 25 1/4 x 15 1/8 in. John Michael Kohler Arts Center Collection, gift of the artist.