FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                    October 24, 2007

OFFICIAL OKLAHOMA CENTENNIAL PHOTOGRAPHER TO SPEAK AT NORTHWESTERN

            The official Oklahoma Centennial photographer Mike Klemme will be on the Northwestern Oklahoma State University campus in Alva Tuesday, Nov. 6, at 7 p.m. for a presentation in the J.W. Martin Library. The event is free and open to the public.

            Klemme, a life-long resident of Enid, became the official Centennial photographer in September of 2005. Since then, he has spent the majority of his time photographing Oklahoma for the large-format coffee table book “Celebrating Oklahoma!” Klemme’s presentation will include photographs taken from around the state during this time, and some of the stories that surround these photos.

            He will have copies of the book and possibly a few prints available for purchase the day of the presentation. The hardcover book sells for $59.95.

“Celebrating Oklahoma” is an official Oklahoma Centennial project that captures the rich spirit of Oklahoma through an inspiring, engaging and emotional photographic collection of the land, people and culture that makes this state truly unique.

            Subjects captured in the book include cities, towns, people, Oklahoma’s diverse cultural heritage, weather, landscapes, architecture, agriculture, commerce, daily life and historical sites.

            The 288-page book includes more than 400 photographs and was selected from the nearly 20,000 images Klemme captured during his 20-month journey across all of Oklahoma’s 77 counties. More than 120 communities are represented. Every two-page spread has a small Oklahoma map that shows the county location where the image was photographed.

The photos above include the cover of the "Celebrating Oklahoma" book, as well as a few of the photos that can be found inside. Just click on the photo and it will open to a larger one.

The book is divided into six sections: The Land, Arts, Communities, Leisure, Business and Technology and People. In addition, there are quotes from nearly 50 famous Oklahomans about how growing up in Oklahoma affected their lives and careers. Also included is a number of “Did You Knows” about the state.

Some of the famous entertainers, athletes, astronauts and public servants from Oklahoma who have added their personal memories and perspectives to “Celebrating Oklahoma!” include James Garner, Troy Aikman, Roy Clark, David Boren, Frank Keating, General Tommy Franks, Bob Stoops, Eddie Sutton, Hanson and Miss America Jennifer Berry.

In a recent ceremony at the State Capitol, Klemme presented one of the first copies of the book to Governor Brad Henry, who wrote the foreword to the book. Also participating in the ceremony was Blake Wade, executive director of the Oklahoma Centennial Commission.

            “Celebrating Oklahoma!” is much more than a collection of photographs,” Klemme said. “From the beginning, our goal has been to tell the story of Oklahoma’s greatness. Our state is rich with both beauty and opportunity. ‘Celebrating Oklahoma!’ will inspire Oklahomans to take pride in all that our state is today and all that we can be tomorrow.”

            In accepting the book, Governor Henry noted that it also will be an important economic development tool for the state.

            Klemme has spent the past 20 years photographing resorts, golf courses, architecture and communities around the world.  During this journey, he has traveled more than four million miles and explored 2,000 destinations in nearly 50 countries. His photographs have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Cigar Aficionado, The Wall Street Journal, Golf Magazine, Golf Digest, Business Week and countless other national and international lifestyle publications. Klemme’s work also has been featured in four books capturing some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses and resorts. His framed signature shots are treasured by collectors worldwide and often are used for high-end promotional gifts.

            Klemme’s photographs also are featured in a unique and free Oklahoma e-postcard program at www.celebratingoklahoma.com. The program offers a different Oklahoma photo each day. The publishers also have created a simple interface allowing those interested to easily and automatically share the cards with their friends and relatives.

            Klemme explained that the e-postcards are designed to make the Centennial celebration a more personal and enjoyable event every day of the year.

“I’m particularly excited,” he said, “that parents and other citizens can forward and share these beautiful photos with children at college, military personnel, native Oklahomans who have moved away or anyone else who would enjoy the most spectacular sites and scenery in the world.” 

To automatically receive the daily e-postcards, visit the web site above and complete a brief, one-time sign-up form. In addition to getting the daily e-cards, registered users can at any time tap into a photo archive to view previous images they might have missed or once again enjoy their favorites.

Klemme’s visit to Northwestern is being organized by members of the university’s 110/100 Centennial Celebration publicity and promotions sub-committee and the library staff.

"We invite Northwestern students, personnel and members of the community to join us in celebrating Oklahoma's Centennial with Mike Klemme, the official Centennial Photographer,” said Kathy Earnest, chair of the sub-committee. “What an enjoyable way to celebrate the spirit of our state."

-NW-

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