Kohler Foundation, Inc.

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Kohler Foundation, Inc.

We support arts & education in Sheboygan County, preserve self-taught art in the US, & host the Distinguished Guest Series & Waelderhaus in Kohler.

Follow us on Instagram ! Kohler Foundation, Inc., is a private foundation located in Kohler, Wisconsin and established in 1940, has long supported the arts and education. The work of Kohler Foundation encompasses five major areas of concentration: art preservation, grants, scholarships, a performing arts series (the Distinguished Guest Series), and the management of the Waelderhaus, an historic home. Learn more about us on our website: http://www.kohlerfoundation.org/about-us/

06/05/2026

🎉 Celebrating the next generation of leaders and artists! The Kohler Foundation is proud to award $1,010,000 in scholarships to students across Sheboygan County, including our most prestigious honors:

Presented by David Kohler: Brennan Nickel (Plymouth High School) received the Herbert V. Kohler Scholarship for $150,000. Brennan will attend the University of Wisconsin–Madison to study mechanical engineering and has demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement.

Presented by David Kohler: Alaina Arnold (Plymouth High School) received an $80,000 Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for Artistic Excellence and will study dance at the University of South Florida.

Presented by Laura Kohler: Levi Ruona (Cedar Grove-Belgium High School) received a $110,000 Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for Artistic Excellence and will pursue music education at Lawrence University.

These students embody excellence, creativity, and commitment—and we are honored to support their journeys. Congratulations to all scholarship recipients!

Learn more: kohlerfoundation.org

05/22/2026

In observance of Memorial Day, the Kohler Foundation office and the Waelderhaus will be closed on Monday, May 25. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26.

Wishing everyone a safe and great holiday weekend!

05/13/2026

Mark your calendars! Arts at the Waelderhaus is proud to present violinist Clara Montes and pianist Paolo González on Sunday, June 28 at 2:00 p.m. Enjoy a captivating performance from two talented recipients of the Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship for Artistic Excellence in the beautiful, intimate setting of the historic .

This special concert highlights the artistry, dedication, and expressive depth of these emerging musicians. This will be an experience that showcases the power of music in a truly unique space.
🎟️ Free admission
🪑 Seating is first come, first served
📍 1100 W. Riverside Dr., Kohler
Doors open at 1:15 p.m. We hope you’ll join us for this memorable performance!

04/24/2026

What an incredible start to the day! This morning’s school performance by Step Afrika! was a huge success with a theater filled with rhythm, culture, and fun.

A heartfelt thank you to the schools, teachers, and staff who brought students to experience this dynamic performance. Sharing the arts with young audiences is always an honor.

Still time to join us TONIGHT! Don’t miss the full 90-minute Step Afrika! performance at 7:00 pm at Kohler Memorial Theater. 🎟️ Tickets are still available, secure yours now at KohlerFoundation.org/tickets

04/05/2026

Please note that the Waelderhaus will be closed on Sunday, April 5, in recognition of the Easter holiday. We appreciate your understanding and look forward to seeing you soon during our normal hours.

04/01/2026

Step Afrika! is on stage in on April 24th, and you won’t want to miss this performance! ✨

If you haven’t secured your seats yet, now is the perfect time. Invite your friends, bring your family, and join us for a for a show you’ll feel as much as you’ll see.

🎟 Tickets are going fast! Grab yours at kohlerfoundation.org/tickets or call (920) 458-1972

Renowned worldwide for their artistry, athleticism, and cultural storytelling, Step Afrika! brings the tradition of stepping to life with unmatched energy. Their performances captivate audiences of all ages through movement, rhythm, and a contagious spirit that will fill the whole theater.

03/26/2026

Arts at the Waelderhaus Returns for 2026! 🎶

Experience a new series of cultural programming at Kohler’s charming “house in the woods.” From choral and chamber music to jazz and local history, this season’s lineup offers something for everyone.

📅 All events take place on Sundays at 2:00 p.m. at the
🎟️ FREE & open to the public
🪑 First-come, first-served seating
🌿Outdoor shows: bring a lawn chair or blanket

2026 Arts at the Waelderhaus Series Lineup:

April 12 – Carroll University Chamber Singers
Enjoy expressive student vocalists under the direction of Dr. Jeremiah Cawley, featuring classical, contemporary, and global works.

April 19 – Sheboygan Symphony Orchestra Chamber Music | Woodwind Quintet
A colorful and dynamic woodwind performance from members of one of Wisconsin’s longest-standing orchestras.

June 28 – Clara Montes (Violin) & Paolo González (Piano)
Ruth DeYoung Kohler scholarship recipients present an inspiring program celebrating artistic excellence.

August 16 – Paine Street Ramblers | New Orleans Dixieland Jazz
🌳Outdoor performance — bring chairs or blankets!
Upbeat, joyful Dixieland jazz performed on the lawn against the picturesque Waelderhaus backdrop.

September 27 – Built with Purpose: The History of the Village of Kohler
Local photographer Darryl Gumm presents the story behind one of America’s most thoughtfully designed communities.

For more information, call (920) 453-2851
Email: [email protected]
Visit: KohlerFoundation.org/Waelderhaus

01/05/2026

As we step into 2026, we’re looking back on the incredible moments that inspired us last year—like our Distinguished Guest Series performance with Tim Robbins.

In this NPR interview with Tonya Mosley, Robbins shares how lockdown shaped his creative process and the origins of Topsy Turvy. It’s a powerful reminder of resilience and the beauty of storytelling.

🎧 Listen here: https://www.wuwm.com/term/arts-culture/2025-11-10/lockdown-was-illuminating-tim-robbins-reflects-on-the-origins-of-topsy-turvy

12/29/2025

Kohler Foundation wishes you the best in the coming year! May the season bring you the warmth of home, the joy of connection, and the promise of a bright new year.

This sculpture is part of the Roger Brown Study Collection, which was gifted to the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in 2025. Don Baum (1922-2008), Domus, 1988, Breadboard wood and applied paint-by-number painting, 17.125" x 9.5" x 19.5"

12/13/2025

This weekend may be a chilly one but the Waelderhaus is cozy and filled with culinary creations to be voted on! In addition to the gingerbread creations we also have Performances at the 29th Annual Gingerbread Festival.

Saturday: Linda Ruona on Piano
Sunday: Kohler High School Madrigal Singers

🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄

Gingerbread Festival Hours
November 28 – December 30, 2025

Sunday through Friday: 1–5 pm
Saturday: 10 am–5 pm
Saturday and Sunday musical performances begin at 2:00 p.m.
Closed December 24 and 25.

Admission is free and no reservations are required.
A wheelchair-accessible ramp will be available throughout the festival.
Guided tours of the Waelderhaus are offered free of charge, daily at 2:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m., except on holidays and during performances.

Address

725 Woodlake Road, Ste X
Kohler, WI
53044

Telephone

+19204581972

Website

http://www.KohlerFoundation.org/

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