Located in Kansas’ business hub and with significant ties to the business community,
the W. Frank Barton School of Business provides extensive applied learning opportunities.
With in-person and online options, Barton School undergraduate and graduate programs
are tailored to transform the lives of its students. It also holds a double AACSB
accreditation for business and accounting, which puts it in the top 1% of business
schools worldwide. The Barton School was established as the university’s College of
Business Administration and Industry in 1926 and has thousands of graduates around
the world.
Woolsey Hall, the new building for the W. Frank Barton School of Business at Wichita
State University, is now home to the Chris Brunner sculpture titled, “The Entrepreneur.”
Standing eight feet tall and three feet wide, this powerful piece serves as a sentinel
and guardian at the entrance to the Frank A. Boettger Auditorium. Made of limestone
and steel, “The Entrepreneur” is a modern, imposing, and approachable work of art.
The blocks of limestone at the base of the piece represent the foundation of business.
The steel framework stands for the challenges, and upward climb encountered by the
entrepreneur. The hand-carved limestone figure stands tall, shifts, redirects and
triumphs to success through experimentation and innovation.
“This sculpture is a conceptual representation of the journey our Barton students
take – learning, growing and strengthening themselves over their time here,” said
Dr. Larisa Genin, Dean of the Barton School. “We’re grateful to have Chris’ sculpture
prominently displayed and we hope it serves as a reminder and inspiration to all who
experience it.”
Brunner graduated with a Master’s of Fine Arts in sculpture from WSU and has been
an active artist for more than 45 years with numerous public projects and private
commissions. Some of his more prominent work, serving as art consultant and artist,
include Wichita’s River Corridor Keeper of the Plains revitalization project, Veteran’s
Memorial Wall, the U.S.S. Wichita Memorial, Drury Plaza shade structures, Hutton Construction
headquarters, and CityArts Façade. Brunner’s work is represented in many private collections
in Wichita and across the United States. “The Entrepreneur” is his first sculpture
on WSU’s campus.
“I was honored to receive a commission to build a piece specifically created for Woolsey
Hall,” said Brunner. “This original sculpture was inspired by the work and success
of the Barton School. I hope when people experience this sculpture, they know any
aspiration is possible.”
A ribbon cutting ceremony to honor Brunner and “The Entrepreneur” will be held at
Woolsey Hall on May 10th at 5:00 p.m. A reception will follow featuring remarks from Brunner as well as appetizers
and beverages. The event is open to the public.
