Oklahoma artists decking halls of White House
BY SUSAN SIMPSON
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Published: December 14, 2008
Christmas tree ornaments designed by six Oklahoma artists are showcasing state culture in the White House this year.
Sen. Jim Inhofe selected artist Mike Wimmer to decorate this ornament for the 2008 White House Christmas Tree. PHOTO PROVIDED BY THE WHITE HOUSE PHOTO OFFICE
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The ornaments are among 369 hand-decorated orbs selected by members of Congress to adorn an 18-foot-tall Fraser fir in the Blue Room of the White House.
The ornaments include depictions of famed humorist
Will Rogers, several rural scenes and one with an American Indian image.
All were decorated in red, white and blue — the theme for White House decorations this year. The ornaments all are originals and will remain White House property.
Njeri Haygood of
Oklahoma City was selected by
Rep. Mary Fallin to create an ornament.
After researching the history of Indian tribes in Oklahoma, she used acrylic paint and
Swarovski crystals to reflect on the Trail of Tears.
The Oklahoma artists were invited to a reception at the White House on Dec. 2, Haygood said.
"I felt proud,” she said. "I felt like it was such an honor and a once-in-a-lifetime experience,”
The other participating Oklahoma artists included
Mike Wimmer,
Louise Bishop,
Terry Osburn,
Denise Wynia-Wedel and
Maggie Brittin.
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