Brilliance in New Berlin
An artisan cuts a small triangle from a sheet of deep red glass that will fit into an intricate stained glass window being restored for a historic Wisconsin church. Nearby, a muralist stands atop a stepladder to paint rosy-cheeked cherubs onto a canvas that will soon take the breath away from the patrons of a theater in Texas. This is Conrad Schmitt Studios, a treasure chest of history and artistic talent hidden amongst the industrial and manufacturing companies of New Berlin, Wisconsin.
One of the largest decorative painting and stained glass studios in the nation, the comprehensive Conrad Schmitt Studios provides award-winning work for churches, theatres, hotels, courthouses and state capitals throughout the country. With a unified artistic vision, Conrad Schmitt Studio’s highly experienced, permanent artists and craftspeople generate new designs and conserve historic work in the form of decorative painting, stained and etched glass, murals, mosaics and statuary.
Determined To Create Beauty
Conrad Schmitt, the son of Bavarian immigrants, founded his studio in Milwaukee in 1889. Soon he had a team of artists and the studio became one of a few national companies to conduct large-scale interior decorating and stained glass projects. Bernard O. Gruenke joined Conrad Schmitt Studios in 1936 as an artist, though his initial job interview did not go as well as he had hoped.
“I was told by Conrad and his son Rupert that the Italian and German art professors were a dime a dozen, so why should they hire the American boys who know nothing,” recalled Bernard O. Gruenke, past President. “The next morning I was waiting on the studio doorstep. I told Rupert I had made up my mind and that I was going to work there whether he paid me or not.”
Bernard O. Gruenke bought the studio from the Schmitt estate in 1951. He has been the recipient of numerous honors, including the Stained Glass Association of America's prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.
Bernard E. Gruenke joined his father’s studio in the 1950s and received his art training under the direction of internationally renowned artists. The third generation of Gruenkes, Heidi Gruenke Emery and Gunar Gruenke, now play an important role in the business. Under the direction of the Gruenke family and more than 60 talented employees, Conrad Schmitt Studios has carried on a tradition of artistic excellence unrivaled in this country.
Restoring History
Stained glass is an art form that is given life by the energy and dynamics of light. The process for creating these
decorative panels has remained relatively unchanged since the craft was developed in the Middle Ages. While the Conrad Schmitt Studios is steeped in the history of stained glass, each craftsperson is familiar with the latest techniques and materials necessary to design, create and conserve exemplary glass.
The restoration projects Conrad Schmitt Studios are faced with may appear to be daunting tasks. Layers of dirt and darkened varnish have muted the splendor of the original finishes and entire murals can be missing. But the portfolio of their work shows a company capable of any project.
“From the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York to the Basilica of the Sacred Heart on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, Conrad Schmitt Studios has been involved in the decoration, restoration and renovation of buildings of architectural and historic significance throughout the U.S.,” said Heidi Gruenke Emery.
Protecting Artists and Their Work
With some artists working on scaffolding across the country and others working in the studio with hazardous materials, Conrad Schmitt Studios understands that the well-being of their employees is critically important.
“We hold the safety of our employees to the highest standards,” said Lori Stock, Controller for Conrad Schmitt Studios. “All employees are regularly monitored for lead and undergo extensive safety training.”
The Horton Group is responsible for the risk management, insurance and employee benefits at Conrad Schmitt Studios. From the transportation policy needed for the movement of stained glass and other valuable pieces of art to the various state licensing requirements for employee benefits and property/casualty insurance, Conrad Schmitt Studios depends on the expertise of The Horton Group.
“It has been wonderful working with The Horton Group,” Lori Stock concluded. “They fully understand the risks we face in our highly specialized industry and are quick to help with any issue we bring to them. I’m certain our companies will continue to grow together.”