Field Notes: Water Sprouts and Remains (an unfolding) by Lily Cox-Richard and Rachal Duggan

Lily Cox-Richard, a resident in the Arts/Industry program in 2022, was chosen to return in 2023 to create Water Sprouts and Remains (an unfolding). The invitation from JMKAC was to reflect on gratitude. Cox-Richard turned to Wisconsin’s natural environment for her response. By foraging for mushrooms, flowers, branches, and bark and experiencing the seasonal shifts in plants and wildlife, she noted the interconnections between species required for thriving, renewal, and abundance.

Cox-Richard brought her findings into the Kohler Co. Foundry. There she cast bark with meandering lines tunneled by ash bore beetles and offerings of bound plants, branches, and mushrooms in brass and iron—making these ephemeral or seasonal living things immortal in metal.

Cox-Richard was also drawn to Wisconsin’s geologically rich landscape. Amidst the brass and iron casts, she has placed fossils and stones that have witnessed many cycles of life, death, and rebirth. The fountain, and Cox-Richard’s making process, interlaces the geologic materials and their natural and industrial legacies here in Sheboygan County.

For Cox-Richard, the fountain is a place to connect with the present—smell the lemon balm, listen to the birds, and observe the accumulating icicles and frosty mounds of snow in the winter—and to consider one’s place in the natural cycle of life.

The Sandy Sachse Gratitude Fountain is named after longtime JMKAC board member Sandy Sachse. Her leadership during times of transition ensured the continuity of the Arts Center’s vision. She recognized the need for JMKAC to evolve and championed initiatives to broaden our reach and deepen engagement. Sachse’s legacy will shape our institution for generations.

The fountain honors Barbara Gruber, KC Nemschoff, and Richard Pauls. Their steadfast commitment is instrumental in nurturing the thriving heart of the Arts Center. It also connects JMKAC with the lineage of supporters who have made its work possible since 1967, including Hugh Denison, Mary Garton, Frank “Jake” Jacobson, Herbert V. Kohler, Jr., Ruth DeYoung Kohler II, Ed McKelvey, Leonard Nemschoff, and Nancy Schreiber.

The fountain’s basin was part of the original landscaping for the John Michael Kohler home, which was built in 1882.

Water Sprouts and Remains (an unfolding), 2024
brass, iron, and stone

Commissioned for the Sandy Sachse Gratitude Fountain, which celebrates the dedication, passion, and generous contributions of the John Michael Kohler Arts Center’s most devoted leaders. 

Photo courtesy of John Michael Kohler Arts Center.