Official IRS tax-exempt determination enables tax-deductible donor contributions, backing major restoration of the historic Stone Gallery and upcoming transfer to the Ellis County Historical Society.
The Pete Felten Legacy Foundation has officially received its 501(c)(3) public charity determination from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), establishing the organization as a tax-exempt non-profit entity dedicated to preserving the story, works, and historic studio of renowned Kansas sculptor Pete Felten Jr.
With this official designation, all charitable contributions made to the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation are now fully tax-deductible.
At this time, the foundation’s core priority centers on the structural revitalization and historical conservation of the Stone Gallery, located at 107 1/2 West 6th Street in downtown Hays.
“Securing 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status is a pivotal step enabling us to honor Pete’s extraordinary artistic legacy with the permanent protection it deserves,” said Eileen Moore of the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation. “Donors can now support our preservation projects with the added benefit of tax-deductible contributions, directly assisting in the structural restoration of the Stone Gallery.”
The updated status marks a milestone for the foundation as it accelerates efforts to secure public and private grant funding, expand community outreach, and ensure the long-term conservation of native limestone sculptures throughout the region.
“The Stone Gallery is the heart of Pete’s story,” Moore said. “It is where decades of creative mastery took shape. By completing essential structural repairs and transitioning ownership to the Ellis County Historical Society, we are securing a permanent home for local art history right in the core of downtown Hays.”
Initial structural repairs are actively underway, with a total roof replacement already completed. 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.
In addition to facility restoration, the foundation has officially launched its online portal at FeltenStoneGallery.org, providing history on Felten’s body of work, project updates, and educational resources.
Social media channels have also been established on Facebook and Instagram to keep the public engaged with restoration progress and community events.
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.
“This milestone belongs to our entire community,” Moore said. “Partnering with the Heartland Community Foundation and receiving tax-deductible contributions gives art lovers and community members a direct way to invest in preserving Kansas history. Every donation directly safeguards Pete's iconic public sculptures for decades to come.”
The foundation is also completing administrative filings to be listed on the Kansas Attorney General’s Register of Charitable Organizations.
“Pete Felten didn’t just work with Kansas limestone; he gave it a voice that tells the history and spirit of our community. Receiving 501(c)(3) status allows us to build sustainable educational programming and public exhibits around his life’s work, ensuring that future generations understand the profound impact of his art, ” Moore said.
To foster their efforts the foundation will participate in two upcoming events, to help raise funds and bring awareness to the mission of the group.
Members will have an informational display inside the Ellis County Historical Society tent at the annual Hays Oktoberfest.
Attendees are encouraged to stop by and visit with foundation members to learn more and support the ongoing fundraising.
The group will also participate in the annual Heartland Foundation Give Fest, with donated funds being matched from Oct. 1-7. Participation details and an online portal to give can be found at Heartlandgivefest.org.
“Pete’s sculptures are woven into the identity of Kansas, from the state capitol to our local neighborhoods,” Moore said. “Our responsibility as a foundation is to ensure his self-taught genius, craftsmanship, and dedication to public art remain accessible, protected, and celebrated for new generations.”
About the Pete Felten Legacy Foundation
The Pete Felten Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt non-profit organization established to protect, preserve, and celebrate the artistic achievements of self-taught Kansas sculptor Peter Frederick “Pete” Felten Jr. (1933–2026).
Renowned for shaping Kansas stone into historic monuments, including statues at the Kansas State Capitol rotunda and dozens of public installations across Hays, the foundation works to conserve his public sculptures, restore his historic downtown studio, and foster appreciation for regional arts and history.
Online and Social Media Resources
• Official Website: feltenstonegallery.org
• Facebook: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61593702887372
• Instagram: instagram.com/petefeltenlegacyfoundation
• Charitable Giving Portal: Heartland Community Foundation (Pete Felten Legacy Fund)