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Red Earth Museum hosts ‘Chickasaw Elders’ paintings exhibit

by Red Earth Honored one and award winning artist Mike Larsen

A collection of 24 oil paintings brilliantly depicting Chickasaw elders are on exhibition through mid-September at the Red Earth Museum in Oklahoma City. Native Oklahoma artist Mike Larsen was commissioned by the Chickasaw Nation to capture the elders on canvas featured in “They Know Who They Are” on view at the museum. Governor Bill Anoatubby said the tribe commissioned the project because “our elders are a national treasure and this project is one way we can celebrate and honor them.”

Larsen’s passion for both history and art are evident in his recent series of Chickasaw living elders’ paintings. He has been commissioned to create 24 additional elders portraits to be added to the collection.

“We are honored to have this artistic treasure on display at our museum. We believe our visitors will appreciate the quality that has been dedicated in Mr. Larsen’s work,” said Connie Hart Yellowman, Red Earth Executive Director.

Larsen and his wife, Martha, claim the project became a “labor of love” during months it took to create all 24 paintings.

“We (became) involved with the elders on a level I never thought we would be able to,” said Larsen. “We got to know them, to listen to their stories, listen to their history and go into their homes. It’s been the most incredible experience Martha and I have had. (We) are painters of history. So painting this living history is the greatest thing we’ve ever done.”

Larsen’s ability to capture the essence of the Native American people has led to many commissions. One of his best known projects is a 26-foot mural of five internationally prominent Native American ballerinas, all born in Oklahoma, which is on permanent display in the Rotunda of the Oklahoma State Capitol building in Oklahoma City.

Recently Larsen was commissioned to paint six murals for the University of Oklahoma at the Donald W. Reynolds Performing Arts Center and eight murals for the Oklahoma Arts Institute. He was also commissioned by the Oklahoma Centennial Committee to create two larger-than-life-size bronze statues depicting a ballet dancer and an orchestra conductor for display at the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall.

In 2006, Larsen was named “Oklahoman of the Year” by Oklahoma Today magazine and was also chosen as the Red Earth Honored One, recognition given by Red Earth Inc. to artists who embrace and embody the collective wisdom of their cultural experience.

As the primary multi-cultural resource in Oklahoma for almost 30 years the Red Earth Museum has benefited more than 130,000 annually. The Red Earth Museum is custodian of a permanent collection of more than 1,400 items of fine art, pottery, basketry, textiles and beadwork.