09/26/2026
Artist Funlola Coker reimagined the iconic cast-iron Kohler Birthday Bath through her signature braiding technique, transforming a familiar form into a sculptural exploration of memory, identity, and storytelling. Created during her 2026 Arts/Industry residency, the work reflects Coker’s fascination with texture, culture, and the narratives embedded in everyday rituals, while showcasing the creative possibilities of cast iron as an artistic medium.
In partnership with the John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the Arts/Industry program connects artists with Kohler craftspeople and manufacturing facilities, creating opportunities for creative experimentation at an extraordinary scale. Founded in 1974 by Ruth DeYoung Kohler and Herbert V. Kohler, the renowned artist residency program receives approximately 400 applications each year, with just 12 artists selected to participate.
