Bernard Gruenke facts for kids
Bernard Otto Gruenke (born February 17, 1913 – died March 31, 2012) was a talented American artist. He was famous for creating beautiful stained glass art. In 1949, he made one of the very first "faceted glass" windows in the United States. This special type of glass is called Dalle de Verre. Bernard was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.
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Bernard's Early Life and Art
When Bernard was 16, a woman named Marie Kohler helped him. She saw his artistic talent. Marie gave him a scholarship to study art. He went to the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. This was in 1934. While there, he painted signs during the day. At night, he studied how to paint portraits. He also learned from Caesar Riccardi, who was a student of the famous artist Robert Henri.
In 1936, Bernard returned to Wisconsin. He joined Conrad Schmitt Studios. There, he worked with the studio's founder, Conrad Schmitt. By the late 1940s, Bernard became a partner in the studio. In 1951, he bought the company. Bernard and Conrad Schmitt Studios created amazing art. They made murals, stained glass, and decorations. Their work could be seen in churches, theaters, and public buildings all over the United States.
New Ideas and Travel
In 1949, Bernard took his first trip to Europe. He was very inspired by the art he saw. He noticed new materials and designs in glass art. He was especially interested in "slab glass" from France. This was also known as Dalle de verre.
Bernard started trying new things with this glass. He found ways to make the faceted glass stronger. He did this by casting it with cement. Over the years, he brought this new type of glass art to many places across the U.S.
Famous Art Projects
Bernard Gruenke was also known for his interior design work. He designed or redecorated the inside of many cathedrals and churches. These beautiful buildings were located all over the country.
Here are some of the places where he worked:
- White House Visitor's Center in Washington, DC
- Hawaii Theatre in Honolulu, Hawaii
- The Egyptian Theatre in Boise, Idaho
- New Regal Theater in Chicago, Illinois
- John H. Bass Mansion in Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Basilica of the Sacred Heart, Notre Dame University in South Bend, Indiana
- Wang Center for the Performing Arts in Boston, Massachusetts
- Union Station in St. Louis, Missouri
- Cathedral of St. Helena in Helena, Montana
- Plaza Hotel in New York City
- Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Memphis, Tennessee
- Holy Hill National Shrine of Mary, Help of Christians in Hubertus, Wisconsin
- Basilica of St. Josaphat in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- Federal Building in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
- The Pabst Theater in Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Awards and Recognition
Bernard Gruenke received many awards for his work. The Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA) honored him often. In 1972, they named him a Fellow of the organization. This is a special title for important members. In 1996, he received the SGAA's Lifetime Achievement Award. This award recognized his many years of amazing work.
In 1980, Mount Mary College in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin gave Bernard an honorary doctorate degree. This means they recognized his great contributions.
He also received many other awards, including:
- Two awards from the National Trust for Historic Preservation
- League of Historic American Theatres Award
- Public Buildings Heritage Award
- Arizona Governor's Award for Historic Preservation
- Utah State Historical Society Award
- Historic Savannah Foundation's Trustees Award for Excellence
- Maui Historical Society Annual Preservation Award
- Milwaukee County Historical Society Preservation Award
- Wisconsin Society of Architects Contractors Award
- Architecture Minnesota Historic Preservation Award
- State of New Mexico Historic Preservation Award
- American Institute of Architects Minnesota Honor Award
- American Institute of Architects Wisconsin Honor Award
