Elden Tefft

Elden C. Tefft was born December 1919 in Hartford, Kansas. He graduated from Liberty Memorial High School in 1939. 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.

Tefft sculpted the Bronze Chesty Lion Statue that stands at the entrance to LHS.