Oklahoma artists decking halls of White House

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.