Bernard O. Gruenke

Bernard Otto Gruenke (February 17, 1913 – March 31, 2012) was an American stained glass artist who produced one of the first faceted (Dalle de Verre) glass windows in the United States in 1949. He was born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

At sixteen, Gruenke was encouraged in the pursuit of art by Marie Kohler, a member of the bath fixtures company. She provided him with a scholarship to the Corcoran College of Art and Design in Washington, D.C. He left for Corcoran in 1934, working as a sign painter by day and studying portrait painting at night. He also studied under Caesar Riccardi, a former student of the well-respected artist Robert Henri.

Gruenke joined Conrad Schmitt Studios in 1936 after returning to Wisconsin, where he worked with Conrad Schmitt, the founder. In the late 1940s, Gruenke became a partner in the studio and in 1951, he purchased the company. Gruenke and Conrad Schmitt Studios furnished murals, stained glass, and decorating for churches, theatres and public buildings throughout the United States.

In 1949, Gruenke made his first trip to Europe and became inspired by the more progressive materials and designs in the art glass field- in particular, some of the early Dalle de verre, or "slab glass", from France. He began experimenting with internal reinforcement of the faceted glass, casting with cement. Over the years he introduced the new glass form to many areas around the U.S.

Gruenke was also known for his work in interior decoration. He designed or redecorated the interiors of cathedrals and churches throughout the country.

Gruenke was recognized by the Stained Glass Association of America (SGAA), being named a Fellow of the organization in 1972. In 1996, he was given the SGAA’s Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1980, Gruenke was awarded an honorary doctorate by Mount Mary College in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin.

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