Arts in Sheboygan
Sheboygan is a Wisconsin coastal dream destination. Its Lake Michigan location offers fantastic outdoor recreation and soft sandy beaches. But I would like to add another of this city's exceptional traits. Sheboygan also has a thriving art scene. The pleasant part is you can visit Sheboygan any time of the year to take advantage of the arts in the city.
Sheboygan also has a thriving art scene
As an avid solo traveler, I am always looking for quiet things to do at a destination. Art focused slow travel fits that bill. Being a local, I learned while researching for my book “100 Things To Do In Sheboygan Before You Die” that there were more art centered things to do than I knew about.
Experience top-tier art and waterside sculptures, along with a hands-on art activity. In this article, I’m sticking to visual art, design, and maker-style experiences. These art-focused things to do in Sheboygan can make a fantastic art inspired itinerary for a weekend visit.
Sheboygan's artistic side shines in these must-see art locations.
To dig into Sheboygan’s art scene, you need to begin with its core. The places that bring art-centered visitors here.
John Michael Kohler Arts Center & Art Preserve
If I only had a half-day to get lost in Sheboygan’s art scene, I would pick these two stops. These are the biggies and are what most art lovers come to Sheboygan for.
The John Michael Kohler Arts Center shows rotating art exhibits, frequently highlighting crafts, big ideas, and local projects. I see a mix of sculpture, textiles, installation art, and pieces that make me stop and look twice. Its downtown Sheboygan location establishes it as the art epicenter. The Arts Center invites you to step inside its most popular permanent exhibits, and that is its fun, quirky bathrooms. Trust me, you will love them! There is also a cafe and shop inside the Arts Center.
The John Michael Kohler Art Preserve is my very favorite place in Sheboygan. I am transfixed by the artist environments that are housed inside and even more fascinated by these self-taught geniuses who made their living spaces into masterpieces.
One of those artists is Milwaukee’s own Mary Nohl who lived along Lake Michigan in Fox Point. Locals know this property as the “Witch’s House.” The Arts Center gained it from the Kohler Foundation in 2012 and is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The vast majority (80%) of her works are in the Art Preserve, while the property still has the remaining 20% outside concrete sculptures, but still quite a few works inside the cottage.
A few years ago, I was honored to get a private tour of the cottage from house steward Alex Gartlemann. He was just coming to the end of an intense restoration of the property during which he stayed on site. I was in awe of the colors that lit up each room. She painted almost every surface: walls, inside the kitchen cabinets, and the stairway. The space is filled with small wire sculptures, paintings, and wood carvings. I could even take a peek inside one of her many diaries. Seeing this proved an incredible treat.
Mary Nohl’s vast collection complements many other artist features. Fred Smith, Dr. Charles Smith, and Eugene Von Bruenchenhein are another of my favorites.
Both museums are free to explore, which makes a visit well worth it.
Hours for both locations:
Tue, Wed, Fri: 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Thu: 10:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m.
Sat and Sun: 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden
Speaking of artist environments, you can see one in Sheboygan in its correct setting. The James Tellen Woodland Sculpture Garden is peaceful. This garden, found on the Tellen summer property in the town of Wilson, south of Sheboygan, displays weathered concrete sculptures conveying religious messages. A winding path takes you to each display, and you will often see white-tailed deer roaming about among the trees.
The garden is free and open to the public from sunup to sundown .
Outside Public Art: Murals and More
Take a walk down 8th Street, the retail hub of Sheboygan’s downtown, and you’ll find quite a few murals. Some are prominent and some less so. The mural project, initiated in 2014, now features twenty city murals illustrating Sheboygan's history and culture. Stop in at the Visit Sheboygan Visitors Center for a self-guided map and go for a walk. As a local, I love seeing all this public art.
Galleries, Classes, and Art Supplies
Sheboygan Visual Artists
Sheboygan Visual Artists is a Sheboygan area cooperative of artists (over 75) that began in 2007. It’s an active part of the community, offering programs and scholarships open to Sheboygan County residents. In early March 2026, SVA will open on the South Pier riverfront with a new gallery that will hold exhibitions and workshops for the public. Please be sure to check the website for hours and more information.
Impressions Fine Art Gallery
This is your chance to see what the local art community offers. Impressions Fine Art Gallery is located inside Blue Harbor Resort and features works by local artists. The gallery has exhibitions four times a year and hosts classes, events, satellite locations, and even an art vending machine. The gallery has a gorgeous Lake Michigan view. Visit the official website for gallery hours and information on current exhibitions.
The Sheboygan Collective
Art workshops for all ages are hosted by The Sheboygan Collective. Every other Saturday, the Sheboygan Collective offers youth art classes and hosts retail pop-ups. The Collective also offers classes in watercolor, felting, collage, and metalwork, creating a community art space. The Collective also rents out for parties and other events.
Hello Happiness Creativity Center
If a thrift store and an art supply/craft shore had a cheery baby, it would be Hello Happiness Creativity Center. I’m not kidding when I say this multi room shop has an abundance of art, crafting and paper supplies. It’s like going on a treasure hunt looking for a pot of gold. The space is well-organized and welcoming. This non-profit accepts donated supplies, thus making creative endeavors accessible to everyone.
Ampersand Supply Company
Then we have Ampersand Supply Company. Some appreciate viewing art; others live to make it. This art and creative supply store is the place to purchase the tools for every creative endeavor. Journals, painting, drawing, and kids' art supplies are what you’ll find for every level of artist. Ampersand also offers workshops. To me, an art supply store is as deadly for my pocketbook as a bookstore.
Board & Brush
Any time I can have a night out with friends while creating something artsy is fun. In recent years, these art workshop businesses have popped up all over the place. Board & Brush has a workshop space in downtown Sheboygan where you can make your own wood or specialty item from a wide range of patterns.
lthough Sheboygan’s treasures center on outdoor recreation, visitors seeking an art-focused experience will still be satisfied…and perhaps a little surprised like this local was.
If you are a first-time visitor to Sheboygan, make your first stop the Visit Sheboygan visitor’s center to find out all about Sheboygan. You can also purchase my books there.
826 S. 8th Street
Sheboygan
Lori Helke is an author and travel writer from Wisconsin. She is the founder of the travel and lifestyle blog Lori Loves Adventure, where she writes about her solo travel experiences and is the author of the Beatrice the Little Camper children’s picture book series, as well as the travel guide ‘Wisconsin Harbor Towns: The Ultimate Wisconsin Road Trip Guide.’ Lori has a monthly travel segment on Local 5 Live, a Green Bay, Wisconsin TV morning show, has contributed to several online and print publications, and serves on the Visit Sheboygan Board of Directors.
