"They Know Who They Are," the first 24 portraits of the "Portraits of Elders" series, has emerged from rest and is now on display in the Aaittafama' Room.

In August 2004, Chickasaw artist Mike Larsen approached Chickasaw Nation leaders with an idea to honor our tribe’s living elders by immortalizing them in art. Accompanied by his wife, Martha, he began a creative process that turned into a personal journey. Larsen's dream has materialized in 72 remarkable portraits across three series.

Three books featuring the portraits "They Know Who They Are," "Proud to Be Chickasaw" and "Listening to Our Elders" have been published by the Chickasaw Press. Each book introduces a series of portraits and feature a biography of each elder portrayed in the paintings.