Since 1873, the company and its founding family have recognized the value of art in industry, and Kohler's support of the arts has sought to nurture creative thinking in both the business and cultural arenas. Throughout the last 125 years, Kohler has sponsored programs in drama and theater, education, music, fine art, literature, sculpture, architectural preservation and community planning. In the areas of fine art and sculpture, Kohler seeks to underscore the craftsmanship and artistic innovation that characterize the company's plumbing product lines and provide "functional art" in everyday household products.