Letter by Christoph Keller to Hall of Fame Washington, D.C.; states that based on his knowledge of Charles M. Russell's type of art and his friendship with Russell, the statue chosen for the Hall of Fame is completely inappropriate. Typed on two pages: TU2009.39.977.1-TU2009.39.977.4.

[1] April 22, 1931 To the Hall of Fame Committee Washington, D. C. To Whom It May Concern: The undersigned begs leave to bring the following matter to your attention realizing, of course, that the responsibility may in your judgment rest more upon the commonwealth of Montana which as I understand it has deter- mined on a Russell statue for one of the niches in the of Fame set apart to the honor of that State. I do not go into the artistry of the statue selected nor am I making any comparison between the various schools of art, or saying anything about the merit of the work chosen - - only do I set forth the fact that the school of this selected statue is not the one to which Charlie Russell belongs and, therefore, cannot represent him. It was my privilege to know something of Charlie Russell’s viewpoint and I take the liberty of bringing that knowledge to your attention because it seems to me that this is vital to the Hall of Fame. Charlie Russell was not concerned with the inner spirit of art – save as that was related to the outward form. On several occasions he frankly stated that if a thing could not be understood without study, then that thing to him was meaningless. He could not stand before an interpretation to “study” out what it meant. He smilingly referred to the fact that he was sometimes criticized for making things look like the originals. He painted, modeled or sketched Indians, animals, sunsets or naked buttes so that there could be no uncertainty as to what they were - - This was his gift and to this school he belongs. [2] Hall of Fame. . . . . . .2 April 22, 1931 This being so, it seems to me that a statue of Charlie Russell which does not look like him – to those who know him – is contrary to the spirit of the man who is to be memorialized. I realize the difficulties of the task and the difference of opinions but nevertheless feel constrained to bring to your attention a phase of the matter which to me seems of great moment. If you desire to consider further my approach to the subject, I should be very glad to go into it further as you may appoint. With good wishes to you in your difficult and valuable responsibilities, believe me, Sincerely yours, CK:MW

[Transcribed by Lauren B. Gerfen, 2012-11-12]