Some of the 22 sculptures donated by private collectors Wayne and Noel Linder of Derby to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation for a future museum dedicated to the artist's work. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostSome of the 22 sculptures donated by private collectors Wayne and Noel Linder of Derby to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation for a future museum dedicated to the artist’s work. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post

Twenty-two statues came back to their home at the Stone Gallery in Hays last week.

Wayne and Noel Linder of Derby, who were private collectors of artist Pete Felten’s work, have made an unrestricted donations of 21 limestone sculptures and one clay piece to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation, which is working to restore Felten’s gallery and studio, 107 1/2 W. Sixth St. in downtown Hays, into a museum.

Felten died Feb. 4 at the age of 92.

Volunteers Kenny Pfeifer, Diane Pfeifer and Eric Pfeifer volunteered to drive the statues from Derby to Hays.

A 501(c)(3) charity has been created to raise funds toward preserving the story, works and historic studio of the renowned Kansas sculptor.

Per Felten’s wishes, official ownership of the Stone Gallery will be formally transferred to the Ellis County Historical Society, ensuring its permanent integration into the historical and cultural framework of Ellis County.

Busts by artist Pete Felten that are being stored in his shed. The shed's roof is leaking and donations are needed to fix it. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays PostBusts by artist Pete Felten that are being stored in his shed. The shed’s roof is leaking and donations are needed to fix it. Photo by Cristina Janney/Hays Post

The roof on the Stone Gallery has been repaired, but the shed where Felten carved also desperately needs roof repairs.

Michael Jilg, who is on the Felten Legacy board, said Felten had always intended the garden in the rear of the Stone Gallery to be a sculpture garden.

The sculptures from the Linders, some which are life-size, are being stored in Felten’s shed until they can be permanently placed in the garden, Jilg said.

All charitable contributions made to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation are now fully tax-deductible.

Charitable donations supporting the foundation’s mission and the Stone Gallery project are currently being accepted through the Heartland Community Foundation via the Pete Felten Legacy Fund. Click here to go to the donation page. Scroll until you see the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation button.

The legacy fund has received about $29,000 in donations, some of which will be matched through Heartland Community Foundation’s GiveFest, which was Oct. 7.