Stephen F. Austin State University

Two Arkansans' designs are selected for the official White House Christmas tree. Sen. Mark Pryor selected Pat Larsen of Conway and Sen. Blanche Lincoln chose Coe Wilson of Petit Jean Mountain.

“Pat’s talent as an Arkansas artist is uniquely evident in the ornament he designed,” said Pryor.

“It gives me great pride to have his work hang on the official White House Christmas tree.” (See a more detailed view of the ornament below.)

“I am so proud that Arkansas artist Coe Wilson’s work will be featured in our nation’s executive mansion,” Lincoln said.

“Coe is an accomplished artist and serves as a great source of pride representing our state in the nation’s capital.”

Every year the White House invites Members of Congress to select an artist from their state to design a holiday ornament for the official White House Christmas tree.

Larsen’s ornament features the Arkansas flag and U.S Capitol, as well as elements special to life in Arkansas.

Complimenting his red, white and blue color scheme, Larsen included a fiddle, a trout, dogwood blossoms and diamonds.

“I wanted to include things about our state that had made a difference in the lives of Arkansans,” said Larsen.

“One of the first things that came to mind was the Ozark mountain music which is reflected in my design by including a fiddle. I was also determined to place emphasis on the state's wonderful physical environment. Since Arkansas has some of the best trout fishing in the country, I depicted a large, mostly red, white and blue trout breaking water.”

Larsen taught art at the University of Central Arkansas for 38 years. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Lamar University and a master of fine arts degree from Stephen F. Austin University. In addition to many private collections, his artwork can be found on display in the River Market Artspace and Senator Pryor’s Washington, D.C. office.

Wilson has worked as an artist in Arkansas for more than 50 years. She is a charter member of the Arkansas League of Artists. Wilson’s work has hung in the Arkansas State Capitol as part of the Governor’s Award Show. Earlier this year, she earned a merit award in the Arts in the Air Professional Art Exhibit and Sale held at the Rockefeller Institute.