I am proud to announce that on April 29, 2011, the Elmer Kelton Statue was placed in the main lobby of the new Tom Green County Library, located at 33 W. Beauregard in downtown San Angelo. This endeavor was accomplished through the efforts of a committee of Elmer’s supporters as a token of their appreciation for his outstanding contributions to literature. The life-size bronze statue was sculpted by Raul Ruiz, who was selected from among ten other accomplished artists. Ruiz was commissioned for this project after the committee and members of the Kelton family reviewed his proposal. More of this fine artist’s work – paintings and sculptures – can be viewed at his studio and art gallery at 76 N. Chadbourne, San Angelo, TX 76903. Phone 325-655-0832.
From its inception, this project was met with enthusiastic support from Kelton’s fan base around the country. The Elmer Kelton Statue Fund, managed by the San Angelo Area Foundation, received donations in excess of $120,000, which exceeded the cost of the statue and the necessary permanent maintenance fund. The additional funds, and any new gifts received will now go towards a scholarship fund for students of journalism in memory of Mr. Kelton. If you would like to support this scholarship fund in memory of Mr. Kelton, you may do so by contacting Matt Lewis at the San Angelo Area Foundation: 325-947-7o71, or click on this link: www.saafound.org.
Many thanks to each and every contributor. And a sincerely grateful nod must go to Marilyn Mohler, who came up with the idea and chaired the committee. And I must thank my other fellow committee members who worked diligently with us for four years to see this through: Bill Shaw, Bobby Frank, Arch Black, Pat Attebery, Pamela Miller, Bob Bluthardt, Larry Justiss, and Matt Lewis.
Felton Cochran
Member, Elmer Kelton Statue Committee
