Elden C. Tefft was born December 1919 in Hartford, Kansas. In 1949 he obtained his bachelor’s degree and in 1950 his Master’s degree of Fine Arts at The University of Kansas, along with advanced work at Cranbrook Academy of Art. This was followed by research in Mexico, South and Central America, Europe and Asia. Work exhibited by Tefft throughout the United States has covered a gamut of materials: wood, stone, ceramic, welded and cast metal in the form of medallion, portrait, gallery, garden and architectural projects. His art has received many awards and he is listed Who’s Who in American Art. Presently, Tefft is Professor Emeritus of Art at the University of Kansas, and founder and Director emeritus of the International Sculpture Center, Washington, D.C. and Hamilton, New Jersey. He also continues daily work as a sculptor and mentor in his studio facility, TERRA STUDIOS.
Aron E. Cromwell, Mayor
Robert J. Schumm, Vice-Mayor
Mike Amyx
Hugh Carter
Michael Dever
David L. Corliss
Kathy Porsch, Chair
Amy Kelly
Christie Dobson
Darin White
Jane Pennington
Lori Madaus
Mandy Lamb
Eric Dobbins
Sarah Harris
Susan Craig
Marilyn Russell
Diane Stoddard, Assistant City Manager
Michelle Stevens, Management Intern
Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission
Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau
City of Lawrence, KS
If interested in purchasing a sculpture,
contact the City Manager’s Office at (785) 832 – 3400, lawrenceks.org/cmo
Mayor’s Message
The Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission welcomes you to the 23rd annual Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition.
Downtown Lawrence is a valuable part of our community. One way our Downtown remains remarkable is through the infusion of art. I am pleased to introduce the 2011 Outdoor Downtown Sculpture Exhibition and its continued contribution to the uniqueness of our Downtown.
A great way to appreciate our Downtown is with a walking tour of the exhibition. I invite you and your family and friends to head Downtown and take a few minutes to appreciate the talent we have on display.
There is a range of styles, mediums, and content in the eight pieces selected. Some of the pieces function in a purely decorative manner while others are more conceptual as well as narrative. Likewise some of the pieces can be seen and enjoyed from a distance while others need to be contemplated more closely and require a more intimate observation.
On behalf of the entire City Commission, I also would like to give a special thanks to the Lawrence Cultural Arts Commission and the Lawrence Parks and Recreation Department for their continued dedication to the sculpture exhibition.