Ken Fergeson, chairman of the National Bank of Commerce, donated a series of color screen prints by Oklahoma artist Mike Larsen to the Altus Public Library. The title of the work is "Legend Keeper" and it is on display in the children's area of the library. The series of prints is a study of the print-making process that depicts the color screen printing process used to develop the final full color image. The "Legend Keeper" portrayed is of the Kiowa tribe and his headdress and ceremonial fan are also of Kiowa origin. The design on the shield is a thunderbird, probably of Crow origin.

According to Larsen "In ancient times, the history and traditions of a tribe would be handed down form generation to generation verbally. There were certain elders who had the responsibility of keeping these stories. It was a great honor to be the 'Legend Keeper.'"

Mike Larsen uses his own heritage to depict Native Americans in his paintings and sculptures.

Significant American Indian events and ideas shown in his creation are indigenous to the state of Oklahoma.

Larsen has received numerous awards and honors for his work. The five Civilized Tribes Museum named him a master artist in 1996 when hi mural honoring five Native Americans ballet dancers, "Flight of the Spirit" was permanently installed in the Oklahoma state Capitol.

"I have watched Mike mature as an artist over the years and develop a style and technique that is his own," says Ken Fergeson, Chairman of NBC. His love for the Native Americans and their place in time comes through his parentage. He represents everything I think about when I think about art and Oklahoma."

For more information about the display call the library at 477-2890.