All artists carry stories — stories shaped by personal histories, cultures and family experiences. Fifteen of them are brought together at the Kohler Arts Center in “American Story,” an exhibition of artists whose diverse backgrounds make for striking comparisons of what it means to be an American.

In the video below, senior curator Leslie Umberger helps tell the stories of five of these artists: Lisa Fifield, David Lenz, Jose Bedia, Xenobia Bailey and Adolph Vandertie.

“American Story” is on display at the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, Wisc., through Dec. 30, 2009.