Image: John Michael Kohler Arts Center, New York
‘Forever Play’ is on view October 3, 2026–January 31, 2027, at the Arts Center. In 2027, the Arts Center will celebrate the 60th anniversary of its pioneering arts-based preschool.
The program foregrounds creativity, curiosity, and self-expression, with students drawing inspiration from the artists on view in the galleries. Through the work of four artists, ‘Forever Play’ invites visitors to reconnect with their sense of wonder and possibility—ways of approaching the world sometimes lost in the stress of adulthood.
Anne Basting’s ‘Beautiful Questions’ explores the idea that an open-ended question can “open a shared path of discovery”; rooted in emotional memories and experiences, these conversations can spur new forms of communication, respect, imagination, and playful interactions infused with a sense of discovery and possibility.
The playful, inventive practices of Claire Ashley, KT Shivak, and Erin Kaczkowski span painting, sculpture, puppetry, textiles, printmaking, and performance. Their work invites visitors to explore, experiment, and create.
Throughout the year, ‘Forever Play’ will set the stage for workshops, activations, conversations, and celebrations connected to the preschool’s 60th anniversary.
