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"The Last Immigrant" bear moves to new Kohler location

In 1989, Marilyn Lysohir completed The Last Immigrant bear during a 12-week Arts/Industry residency with help from Kohler Co. associates; the sculpture stands nearly eight feet tall.
During her first residency in 1989 at Kohler's Pottery, Marilyn Lysohir learned mold construction and created the original bear form, with company engineers advising a second residency for its scale.
Cast iron, brass, silver solder and steel form The Last Immigrant bear, with Lysohir casting pedestals, vases, hands, bear parts and mounting it on a cement base with brass hand casts of associates.
Lysohir dedicated the bear to her grandparents who immigrated to the United States, and her work site became a popular stop on Kohler Co. tours as associates and the public identified with the imagery.
Kohler Co., founded in 1873, continues to support artist collaboration through the Arts/Industry program, which provides 12 artists each year with studio space and materials.

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