Mike Larsen, the Artist
Researching the history of the people he paints and sculpts, Mike Larsen spends much of his studio time in books. For over forty years, he has been a full time artist. Born in 1944 of Chickasaw heritage, Mike grew up in farming communities in Oklahoma and Texas. Beginning at Amarillo Junior College, continuing at the University of Houston and concluding at the prestigious Arts Student League in New York City, Mike studied traditional art disciplines.
The year 2004 brought the opportunity to paint 24 Living Elders of the Chickasaw Nation - members of Mike’s own tribe. What started as a “project” turned into a labor of love for Mike and wife Martha. In the fall of 2006, Mike was commissioned by the Nation to continue the series with 24 additional paintings. A book about the first 24 will be published in October of 2008.
In 2005 Mike was asked by the State of Oklahoma and the U.S. Post Office to create the United States Postage Stamp commemorating the state’s Centennial. He was also commissioned by the Oklahoma Centennial Commission to create two larger than life size bronze statues symbolizing the arts in Oklahoma. Both have been placed at the Oklahoma City Civic Center Music Hall. In December of 2006, Mike was honored to be named “Oklahoman of the Year” by the official state magazine Oklahoma Today. In 2007 Mike was commissioned by the Pokagon Band of Potowatomi Indians to create eight murals, sized 8 ft. by 18 ft.. These murals are being placed in the entry of their new casino to educate the public about
the history of their tribe.
Due to popular demand, we've placed some older works on this page. Enjoy!
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