Although it was the first day of school, a new beginning, it was also the last day of Derrick Birdsall’s excellent exhibit at the Wynne Home, “Under a Texas Sky.”
Since some of our students hadn’t seen the exhibit, and since all of our students enjoy Birdsall’s photography, we made a stop at the Wynne Home for a look at his photos and to have a discussion with him.
For some of us, it was a bookend, having been at the opening reception. But this time, we had more of a small-group setting, with a chance to ask questions and learn. As always, he was pleasant and helpful, giving tips on settings, lenses, editing, and the positioning required for a good shot. As photography enthusiasts ourselves, and as fans of Mr. Birdsall’s photography, it was a great way to kick off the semester!
Note: While Birdsall’s “Under a Texas Sky” came down, Molly Campbell’s artwork will soon be going up. The opening reception for her work will be on September 5 from 5:30-7:00pm.
Mike Yawn teaches at Sam Houston State University. In the past few years, he has taught courses on Politics & Film, Public Policy, the Presidency, Media & Politics, Congress, Statistics, Research & Writing, Field Research, and Public Opinion.
He has published academic papers in the Journal of Politics, Political Behavior, Social Security Quarterly, Film & History, American Politics Review, and contributed a chapter to the textbook Politics and Film.
He also contributes columns, news analysis, and news stories to newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express News, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Stamford Advocate, Greenwich Time, Huron Daily Tribune, Laredo Morning Times, Beaumont Enterprise, Connecticut Post, and Midland Reporter Telegram.
Yawn is also active in his local community, serving on the board of directors of the local YMCA and Friends of the Wynne. Previously, he served on the Huntsville's Promise and Stan Musial World Series Boards of Directors.
In 2007-2008, Yawn was one of eight scholars across the nation named as a Carnegie Civic Engagement Scholar by the Carnegie Foundation.
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