Contact: Anna-Marie Opgenorth, Executive Director
Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
414.277.7795
MILWAUKEE, WI – Historic Milwaukee Inc, (HMI) presents Remarkable Milwaukee: Honoring Conrad Schmitt Studios and The Gruenke Family on February 25, 2013 at The Grain Exchange Room of the Mackie Building (225 E Michigan St). Since 1889, Conrad Schmitt Studios has made its mark in Milwaukee and the rest of the country as a leader in conservation and restoration of art and architecture.
After completing his education and apprenticeship, Bernard O. Gruenke set his sights on working for the renowned Conrad Schmitt Studios. He was so determined to make his dream a reality that he sat in front of the studio’s front door day after day until Conrad Schmitt finally decided to take him on in 1935. This decision led Conrad Schmitt Studios to eventually be bought by Gruenke in 1953. Today, the studio is run by the third generation of the Gruenke Family and continues to be a national leader in conservation and restoration.
In 1991, Bernard O. Gruenke established the Gruenke Foundation of the Arts. The organization provides scholarship opportunities for aspiring artists, educational tours and lectures for people of all ages, and cares for over 70 pieces of art that range from Persian rugs, hand-carved ivory, and stained glass panels. The Foundation is currently working to preserve and showcase an impressive pair of 16′ x 8′ glass mosaics that depict Columbus and the discovery of America.
There will be an exhibit of many of the never before seen pieces in the Conrad Schmitt Art Collection on display at the new Hilton Garden Inn as part of Remarkable Milwaukee on February 25th from 5-6:30pm with tours provided by Conrad Schmitt president Gunar Gruenke and Preservation Specialist, Eileen Grogan. Reception with silent auction and a dinner celebration will follow at The Grain Exchange Room beginning at 6pm.
To purchase tickets or for more information call the Historic Milwaukee, Inc. office at 414-277-7795 or visit http://historicmilwaukee.org/events/remarkable-milwaukee/
Historic Milwaukee, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing awareness of and commitment to Milwaukee’s history, architecture, and the preservation of our built environment through education and advocacy. HMI is an affiliated member of the Wisconsin Historical Society, a member of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, and Visit Milwaukee. Historic Milwaukee, Inc. is dedicated to innovative partnerships with community organizations and local businesses.
For More Information, contact:
Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
207 E. Michigan St, Suite 500
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 277-7795
info@historicmilwaukee.org
For Sponsorship Opportunities, contact:
Anna-Marie Opgenorth
Executive Director
Historic Milwaukee, Inc.
207 E. Michigan St, Suite 500
Milwaukee, WI 53211
(414) 277-7795
anna@historicmilwaukee.org
