The Oak Hills High School Gallery of Honor seeks to recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of its alumni in the field of art and design. Nominations for induction into the Gallery of Honor meet the following criteria to demonstrate excellence in the realm of art and design:

Distinguished Creative Accomplishments
Significant Impact
Professional Standing
Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Originality
Sustained Career Success
Community Engagement
Multidisciplinary Excellence
Exemplification of Oak Hills High School Values

It is our distinct honor and privilege to present the class of 1996 alumni, Kendall Bruns, for induction into the 2024 Oak Hills High School Art and Design Gallery of Honor, sponsored by the National Art Honor Society. His exceptional talent and unwavering dedication have left a profound impact on the world of art and design.

Kendall’s journey in the arts has been nothing short of remarkable, encompassing a rich tapestry of creative endeavors spanning music, design, sculpture, photography, and video. His insatiable curiosity and relentless pursuit of creative expression have been constant companions throughout his extraordinary career. Raised in an Air Force family, Kendall’s upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and cultural influences, enriching the depth and breadth of his artistic vision. His passion for the arts eventually led him to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in sculpture from the esteemed Art Academy of Cincinnati.

Among Kendall’s many achievements, his integral role at Freeosk, Inc. stands out prominently. His innovative design contributions are acknowledged in patents, a testament to his commitment to pushing the boundaries of creativity and originality within the industry. Beyond his professional endeavors, Kendall’s founding of the U.S. Pizza Museum showcases his passion for design and his dedication to preserving local history. Once voted Cincinnati’s “Best Local Artist” by the readers of Cincinnati CityBeat, his artistic footprint extends far and wide, with exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Baltimore Contemporary Museum, and the Chicago Design Museum, among others. Kendall’s short film, “Robot Love from Another World”, screened at the Cannes Film Festival and his involvement with esteemed institutions like the Contemporary Arts Center, the Taft Museum of Art, and the Cincinnati Art Museum further underscores his professional standing and the profound impact of his work.

Kendall’s commitment to community engagement is truly commendable. His project, “Trailsongs: Inspired by Our National Parks,” exemplifies his dedication to connecting art with a broader audience and sharing his passion for the preservation of our natural heritage. In addition to his musical pursuits with bands like “The Koala Fires”, Kendall has continually engaged communities through his unique podcasts. Through “Let’s Get Serious” Kendall explored the worlds of ambitious creative people while “Films of the Future” explored the world of reviewing new films before he had seen them himself. His impact extends beyond personal accolades, positively influencing and enriching the lives of others in meaningful ways.

Kendall Bruns epitomizes the values and ethos of the Oak Hills High School Art and Design Gallery of Honor. His exceptional creative accomplishments, significant impact on the art and design industry, sustained career success, and unwavering commitment to community engagement make him truly deserving of this prestigious recognition.