David Franklin and Family Partners with Kohler Co to Make a Massive Sculpture and a Whole New Art Residency

We are so excited to announce the opening of our new project at the Shedd Aquarium on Chicago’s lakefront. Made at Kohler Co where I lived for 8 months with my Wife Joanne and my son Mikel took turns helping make the fish. We worked in the Kohler Factory Pottery along side Kohler associates and one retiree, to make the more than 1600 fish that make up the installation. Laura and David Kohler allowed us to make the work in their family factory. We were given access to its full resources to have an extended Wisconsin residency, which would become what is now known as “Makersspace”

Chicago Sun Times

WTTW Chicago

From the Press Room:

CHICAGO – Shedd Aquarium is unveiling a brand new, permanent art installation that punctuates a newly enhanced accessible entry experience for guests. Created out of vitreous china, the hanging sculpture features 1,600 individual fish. They represent Lake Michigan species like longnose gar, lake trout, walleye, cisco, northern pike and lake sturgeon. Created by artist David Franklin, in partnership with Kohler, the piece – titled “The Once and Forever Lake Michigan” – celebrates the ancient aquatic species that have thrived in this region for thousands of years, while inspiring their continued protection for generations to come.   

The sculpture hangs in Shedd Aquarium’s new atrium, which was recently constructed as part of the aquarium’s multi-year Experience Evolution. Guests traveling up or down newly installed stairs and escalators will be able to get a closer look at the sculpture from various angles as they move from one level of the aquarium to another. As visitors move and flow through the space, views of the sculpture shift and change like a living school of fish in the lake. 

“Shedd Aquarium has such an important place in our community — positioned right where the vast wilderness of the Great Lakes meets the vibrant city of Chicago – a fitting place to celebrate the fish of lake Michigan,” said Sarah Hezel, vice president of design and exhibits at Shedd Aquarium. 

The installation took 30 days to complete, with Franklin, his wife Joanne Franklin, hanging each individual fish in the exact right position. The result is a dynamic formation of fish caught in suspended animation that can be viewed by guests from multiple vantage points as they enter or exit the aquarium. 

“My hope is that this sculpture will transport visitors entering Shedd into a dynamic scene beneath the surface of Lake Michigan. A preview of all the wonders that await them inside the aquarium,” said Franklin. “It was made at Kohler Company, near the shore of the lake, by the kind and hardworking people of the region. It is also intended to showcase the natural treasures swimming in Chicago’s home waters.”

The materials used to create the sculpture were scrupulously chosen to help blend the enhanced entry with the aquarium’s original architecture. While much of the historic details of the building enshrine marine species, this new installation helps the aquarium balance that motif with standout species from the freshwater world.  

  This project has been a two year long odyssey for my family and I. There were feats of strength and endurance, tragic failures, and great triumphs. I spent 8 months working in the faraway kingdom of Kohler, Wisconsin. It is a bit too much to fully illustrate right here. I will tell the whole story chapter by chapter right here very soon. Some background can be found in my blog here:

Acknowledgments:

We had a lot of help to make this happen.

This work was made In the Kohler Factory Pottery in Kohler, Wisconsin near the shores of Lake Michigan. It was designed with the help of Aaron Whelton and RBHU Engineers. It was made with the support of David and Laura Kohler and with help from our friend Shari McWilliams, and countless associates at the factory. My wife, Joanne Franklin, Mikel Franklin, Ruby Franklin, Sarah Franklin, our friend and Kohler retiree John Bueter worked closely with us in the studio. Todd Miskie, Scott Meyer, Patrick Schad, ValJean Marcos, Brian Miller, Brian Penkwitz, Jim Limberg, Kevin Mallach, Roger Sheets, Randy Halida, John Zutz, David Hammer, Jamie Schramm, Tom Bowen, Mike Frombauch, Vitor Wojastyk, Steve Czekala, Russ Swagell, Dave Glanders, Jeff Radke, Jerry Thorpe, Dale Wagner, Mike Schmitz all contributed to the success of the project. 

Thanks to the team at John G Shedd Aquarium: Bridget C. Coughlin, Sarah Hezel, Julian Glomb, Sarah Aman, Kristen Neria, Brenna Hernandez, Sam Cejtin and so many others.

JLL: Jessica Mavrogenes, Kelly Kilboy, and Ewa Weir

Pepper Construction: Dave Haas, Tom Baldacci, Derrick Ellis, Bryant Loving, Bob O’Brien, Gina Colucci, and Janice Myrick.