William Eckhardt Kohler

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Inspired by personal experiences in nature and the studio, William creates poetic paintings that open a door to the emotional and spiritual realms.

William Eckhardt Kohler is an accomplished artist and educator, with a rich background in both practice and teaching. Born in Boston, MA, William began his academic journey at the University of Pennsylvania before immersing himself in the world of art. He earned his B.F.A. in 1985 at the Maryland Institute, College of Art, and M.F.A. in 1987 from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.

William's career in education flourished in Chicago, where he taught painting, drawing, and art history at esteemed institutions such as the American Academy of Art, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago city colleges, and The University of Indiana North West. His dedication to fostering artistic talent and understanding has been a significant part of his professional life.

In 2011, William relocated to New York City, a move that expanded his artistic horizons and led to a decade of dynamic engagement in the art scene. His work has been showcased in galleries and art fairs globally, with recent representation by Linda Warren Projects in Chicago, Helm Contemporary in New York City, and Elder Gallery in Charlotte, NC.

William draws upon personal experiences in nature, the studio, and art to create narrative paintings that open a door to the emotional and spiritual realm. His work invites viewers into a deeper dialogue, blending the tangible with the transcendental.

Beyond creating art, William is also a thoughtful critic, contributing insightful writings on art and exhibitions to The Huffington Post and Two Coats of Paint. His critical perspective adds depth to his artistic endeavors, offering audiences a richer understanding of his work and the art world.

William's excellence has been recognized with prestigious accolades, including the Pollock-Krasner award in 2020. He was also honored with a Sharpe-Walentas Studio Residency in Brooklyn for the year 2022-23.

Now based in Chicago, William continues to create, exhibit, and inspire, drawing from a wellspring of experience and a love for paint.

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William’s Media Appearances

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SELECTED SOLO EXHIBITIONS

2024 Helm Contemporary,  New York, NY
2021 The Catskills, New York, NY
2017 Elder Gallery, Charlotte, NC
2016 Linda Warren Projects, Chicago, IL
2015 Brian Morris Gallery, New York, NY 
2014 Linda Warren Projects, Chicago, IL  
2014 Elder Gallery, Charlotte, NC 
2013 Beverly Arts Center, Chicago, IL 
2011 Elder Gallery, Charlotte, NC
2011 Linda Warren Gallery, Chicago, IL  
2009 Pool Art Fair, New York, NY
2008 Artist’s Project, Art Chicago, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, 
Linda Warren Gallery, Chicago, IL
2007 Artist’s Project, Art Chicago, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
2006 Uncle Freddy’s Gallery,  Highland, IN
2004 South Suburban College, South Holland, IL
2003 Uncle Freddy's Gallery, Hammond, IN
2002 Century Gallery, Chicago, IL
2001 So Hyun Gallery, New York, NY
1996 Aron Packer Gallery, Chicago, IL
1993 University Club, Chicago, IL
1991 Contemporary Art Workshop, Chicago, IL
1987 Steiner Gallery, Chicago, IL

SELECTED GROUP EXHIBITIONS

2023 Tappeto Volante, Brooklyn, NY, “Library”
2018 Green Door Gallery,  Brooklyn, NY, “Advent Calendar”
2017 Andrew Edlin Gallery, New York, NY
2016 Art at Kings Oaks, Kings Oaks, PA
2015 Lesley Heller Gallery, New York, NY
Brian Morris Gallery at Salon Zurcher, Paris
Linda Warren Projects, Chicago, IL, “Roots”
Noyes Museum of Art, Oceanville, NJ, MICA, “Then and Now” 
Family Ties, Dallas, TX
2014 Second Family, New York, NY 
Formerly Pocket Utopia, New York, NY
Novella Gallery, New York, NY
HKJB at Underdonk, Brooklyn, NY
2012 White Box Gallery, New York, NY
2009 Home Gallery, Chicago, IL
2008 Highland Park Art Center, Highland Park, IL
2006 Gallery 2, School of the Art Institute of Chicago
2005 Linda Warren Gallery, Chicago, IL
2002 Gescheidle Gallery, Chicago, IL
Aron Packer Gallery, Chicago, IL
2001 SAIC Gallery 2, Chicago, ILCorners
So Hyun Gallery, New York, NY
2000 North Park Univ. Carlson Tower Gallery, Chicago, IL
1994 Lyons-Weir Gallery, Chicago, IL
1989-90 Illinois State Museum, Lockport, IL/Chicago, IL
1988 NAME Gallery, Chicago, IL “The Mythic and The Mundane”

AWARDS

2022 Sharpe-Walentas Residency, Brooklyn, NY
2020 Pollock-Krasner Grant
2019 DNA Residency, Provincetown, MA
2008 CAPP Grant, Chicago

CURATING

2016 “New York: New Friends”, Linda Warren Projects, Chicago, IL
1988    “The Mythic and The Mundane”, NAME Gallery, Chicago, IL

Insights and Inspirations:
The Artist’s Journal

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01

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02

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03

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