On the backroads of northwestern Oklahoma, remnants of a deep-rooted heritage of farming families long ago still remain, piquing the imagination of what once was.

Many of those images captured by local photographer Michael Louthan are now on display at The Chisholm in the exhibit “Abandoned Oklahoma: Red Carpet Country Through the Lens.”

It features a series of black and white photographs taken in Kingfisher County and northwest Oklahoma, which delve into the region’s rich history and chronicle the lives of some early Oklahomans, said Jason Harris, executive director of The Chisholm.

The exhibit includes photographic shots of weathered walls and rooflines of structures built over 100 years ago.

“Homes and farms captured through the lens of Michael Louthan embody the hopes and dreams of many who began farming and ranching in northwest Oklahoma in the 19th century,” Harris said.

Since his retirement from the communications industry, Louthan has traveled all over the world capturing breath-taking images from far away places as well as throughout rural Oklahoma.

Even with all the international places Louthan’s traveled to and photographed, he said he still loves “all things Kingfisher and Oklahoma.”

Often traveling the backroads of Kingfisher County, Louthan has spent hours searching for abandoned farm houses, country schools, old churches and other interesting pieces of history.

“There’s a lot of beauty out there in dusty Oklahoma,” Louthan said.

The exhibit is primarily based on homes near Kingfisher that Louthan has discovered over the years, he said.

“I believe that showing these images in black and white calls more detail into the texture and lets some of the past structure show through,” Louthan added.

Featuring various exhibits showcasing Oklahoma through the years, Harris said one of the museum’s goals is to be a good community partner, bringing events and experiences to the region, which includes live musical performances, temporary exhibits, educational classes and more.

Referencing the current exhibit, Harris said, “We all drive rural Oklahoma roadways and byways, often passing long-forgotten or abandoned farmsteads, community buildings and more.

“Each of those places has a story, whether remembered or not, and this photography exhibit by Michael Louthan captures a number of unique places.

“Through his artistic lens, we get the chance to see often-overlooked spots, capturing those buildings, fields and former farmsteads in a moment of time.”

Louthan’s work has been featured in various galleries throughout the region, Oklahoma Today magazine and Light and Landscape magazine and has received many other honors throughout the years.

Louthan also serves on the museum’s board of directors and also previously provided a photographic mural of the western Oklahoma prairie for the museum’s Land Run exhibit.

The current exhibit will be on display through Dec. 20 and is included with paid admission to The Chisholm.

“My hope is that people who regularly drive by unnoticed abandoned houses will see these differently through my photography,” Louthan said.

“These are not just old wood, but someone’s home that once held the laughter of children, bright lights in the evening and warm smells of farmhouse cooking.”

The museum project was made possible by Oklahoma Arts Sector ARPA Grants, an investment made by state leaders, led by the Oklahoma Arts Council in Partnership with Allied Arts of OKC and Arts Alliance Tulsa. The Chisholm is located at 605 Zellers Ave. and more information can be obtained by contacting (405) 375-5176 or visiting thechisholm.org.