Ogallala's Petrified Wood Gallery memorializes Kenfield Brothers
OGALLALA– The Petrified Wood and Art Gallery Announces Grand Opening of the Private Collection of Howard and Harvey Kenfield with a Special Invitation to Galley Sponsors on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023.
The guests will be the first to visit the new collection from the private home of the Kenfields. The personal collection from the home of the Kenfield Brothers is being shared by their families, after the passing of both brothers this year. Never before displayed in public, the collection includes bronze sculptures, rare minerals, and early works of art, handcrafted by the twins.
The collection includes pieces of art purchased by the brothers from recognized plains Native American Artist. This collection is an opportunity to see the personal treasures of two men who knew and loved this special art. The Gallery will receive from Film maker Hank Bagwell, his trophy, won for the film “A Legacy in Stone” to the Petrified Wood Gallery, in Ogallala, NE., in honor of his late friends Howard and Harvey Kenfield.
The award winning filmmaker will be in attendance and will be showing his other award winning documentaries in the Gallery’s Community Room. The collection will open to the public on Thursday Nov. 2, 2023, and will be featured daily at the gallery.
The Gallery hours are 9 a.m.to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. About the Petrified Wood Gallery Twins, Harvey and Howard Kenfield of Ogallala, began collecting Indian Artifacts in the 1950’s after serving in the Korean War. During their relaxation time, they started the “rock hobby”- the art of collecting and polishing stone. The brothers continued to collect and built their first ‘museum’ in 1976. In 2000, the Kenfield’s donated their collection to a foundation to assure it stayed in Ogallala. Finding a home in the famous Front Street the museum stayed for 11 years, until a new home in 2011.
The Petrified Wood and Art Gallery is located across the street from its old home and the collection now resides for all to see at 418 East 1st Street in Ogallala.