San Angelo's own Elmer Kelton passed away August 22, 2009 and had published 47 novels and 13 non-fiction books in the Western genre. Three of his books won the Western Heritage Award from the National Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Western Writers of America awarded him an unprecedented total of SEVEN spur awards! Kelton was chosen by his peers of the Western Writers of America as the "Best Western Writer of all Time." 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions to literature, a committee of Elmer Kelton supporters has worked toward the creation of a life size statue of him which will be placed inside the new Tom Green County Library on April 29th, 2011. This committee chose local artist Raul Ruiz from among 10 other artists. Ruiz was commissioned for this piece after the committee and members of the Kelton family reviewed his proposal. Ruiz's other San Angelo public art pieces include the sculpture in front of the Junell Center at Angelo State University and a bronze of a sheep shearer at work. His studio and gallery is located at 76 N. Chadbourne in San Angelo.

Over $120,000 has been donated towards this project, which has exceed the cost of the statue. New gifts recieved will now go towards a schoalrship fund in memory of Mr. Kelton. If you would like to support this scholarship fund in memory of Mr. Kelton, your donation is a great way to express a memorial gift for one of America's greatest western writers.

Larger donations can also receive the following until May 31st, 2011:

 

Donations are being accepted through the Foundation and if a donor contributes $3,000, they can receive a 9" bronze bust of Kelton also done by Ruiz. (pictured right) This is a numbered limited edition piece, signed by Ruiz.

 

 

 

Donations of $7,500 will receive a 12" bronze version of the actual statue (shown at left with Kelton standing next to a split rail fence) which will be placed in the new library. This is a numbered limited edition piece, signed by Ruiz and will be available approximatley 90 days after your donation is made.

You can make any donation to this project by credit card using our secure website, or you can mail your check to: San Angelo Area Foundation, Elmer Kelton Statue Fund, 2201 Sherwood Way, Ste. 205 76901. For more information, you can email the Foundation at infosaaf@saafound.org