Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (1993) Bill Walton, born and raised in La Mesa, is on his way to immortality courtesy of sculptor Diane Keltner and owner of White Sage Gallery on East Main Street in El Cajon. Keltner was commissioned by local businessman Ron Brady, who donated $3 million with his wife, Mary Alice, towards construction of the future Boys & Girls Club of East County Brady Family Clubhouse in La Mesa, to bring to life Walton’s face.
Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer (1993) Bill Walton, born and raised in La Mesa, is on his way to immortality courtesy of sculptor Diane Keltner and owner of White Sage Gallery on East Main Street in El Cajon. Keltner was commissioned by local businessman Ron Brady, who donated $3 million with his wife, Mary Alice, towards construction of the future Boys & Girls Club of East County Brady Family Clubhouse in La Mesa, to bring to life Walton’s face.
Brady was the idea man behind creating the Bill Walton bust that will be included in a section of the clubhouse that will house a Walton memorabilia collection.
Walton was on hand on Jan. 18 to see the finishing touches of his bust at Keltner’s gallery. Keltner, an Alpine resident, has created more than 20 busts, and used 15 pounds of terracotta clay to mold the bust of Walton that will be bronzed at a foundry.
Keltner’s artistry was evident in Walton’s bust that reflected a countenance filled with humor and projected good will, a hard feat to accomplish. Keltner is a gifted sculptor, working relentlessly to achieve this masterpiece. She worked off of a series of photos in addition to personal sessions with Walton.
Walton said he was “humbled” to have such an honor.
While Keltner worked on the bust, the atmosphere at the gallery was filled with humor and always evident was Walton’s good nature and Keltner’s artistic ability.
Keltner’s years of experience in sculpting is evident in the pieces scattered throughout her gallery. To see more of Keltner’s works of art, visit www.dianekeltner.com or White Sage Gallery on Facebook. White Sage Gallery is open on an appointment base only.
