Lexi Gruenwald Sculpted a Love of Ceramics at Butler

Written by: Caleb Sanderson

After changing her major from architecture, Lexi Gruenwald discovered her passion for ceramics by stepping into the art world at Butler. Lexi has molded her life around learning and sharing art as a commissioned artist and teaching community classes at City Arts in Wichita’s Old Town. 

As a former art scholarship student, Lexi was introduced to art both as a creator and behind the scenes as a student worker. She spent countless hours in the studio working her craft, especially into the late evening and night hours with her 24-hour access. Pieces of her work were displayed in student art shows at Butler’s E.B. White Gallery of Art and El Dorado’s Coutts Museum. Through practice and supportive faculty, Lexi found her rhythm and groove at the wheel, a love she’s honed and shared.

Shortly after graduating from Butler, Lexi became a paid artist by selling mugs she created in Butler ceramics classes. She is now commissioned to make cortado cups, a handleless mug, for Pennant Coffee’s in-shop customers. Lexi is excited about the progression her artist journey has made since she became a practicing artist at Butler.

“Butler’s art faculty is amazing,” Lexi noted. “They’re all working artists and know about the field and new processes. They experiment right along with their students and know about opportunities in the area. They are amazing resources, even after the fact.” Lexi still keeps in close contact with former mentor and Art Chair Trisha Coates.

An involved student, Lexi worked in Butler's art gallery and as a studio assistant, where she mixed glazes, made workable clay and completed other tasks to help the department. Lexi was a constant in the art spaces as she kindled her newfound enthusiasm.

“She makes hard work look fun and was always setting a high bar for her classmates, while also being approachable and encouraging,” Coates noted. Coates recognized Lexi’s artistic drive and even opened her home studio space to Lexi over the summer to support her former student and fellow artist.

Lexi remains active in the arts community as she continues her ceramics education at Wichita State University with plans to pursue a master’s degree. The love of pottery she sparked at Butler influences many parts of her life and she shares that passion with learners of all ages in a local, thriving community.

“I am so grateful for the faculty at Butler,” Lexi expressed. “They’ve done a lot for me. It’s important to be involved in the community and with peers, and Butler is a good place for that.”