Author: mikeyawn

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.

New York Stories

Art in the Heart of New York

by Chrissy Biello

On day two in New York, we woke full of hope and to clear blue skies…

…albeit with a pronounced chill in the air.

Despite the cold, we were ready to explore the city on foot–not, perhaps, expecting to get in more than 30,000 steps while visiting four museums and two libraries!

With a busy schedule for the day, we hoped to experience all that was possible, including the Whitney Museum of American Art, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA). 

Although these museums host art from myriad genres and movements, we focused on three primary areas: American, European, and Modern/Contemporary, finding that this was more than enough to keep us busy over a long day while also expanding our knowledge of the arts.

American

With us bringing different levels of knowledge about art to the trip, there was something for everyone to enjoy–and learn about–among the Museums’ many collections. Speaking for myself, I had many opportunities for learning, and my first such experience of the day involved coming across Early Sunday Morning, by Edward Hopper, at The Whitney.

The American collections had many great pieces, showcasing the depth and diversity of American art. Edward Hopper’s Early Sunday Morning (Whitney) drew me in…

“Early Sunday Morning,” by Edward Hopper

…which was perhaps appropriate, inasmuch as Hopper was born near New York, and he died in Manhattan, not far from where we were seeing his work. This particular piece, I learned, reflected his most commonly emphasized colors (red, yellow, blue, green), as well as the sense of loneliness and isolation that so often characterizes his art.

The museums also showcased Thomas Hart Benton, one of Professor Yawn’s favorite artists. His piece The Lord is my Shepherd (Whitney), Cotton Pickers (The Met), and America Today (The Met), highlighted the regionalist style, while also showcasing Benton’s sense of artistic rhythm.

The representation of African American artists was particularly moving, including Jacob Lawrence’s emotionally charged War Series, which captured collective anxiety…

…and Horace Pippin’s compelling Cabin in the Cotton (Whitney).

We should also mention a work of art in its own (W)right: The Guggenheim Museum. Although all of us appreciate Frank Lloyd Wright’s work none of us had been inside one of the last major architectural works of Wright’s story career, In addition to scoping out the art around the walls and alcoves, we also spent much time simply looking at the interior from various angles and perspectives. Beyond the many genres of art we had a chance to experience, we added to this list American architecture.

European

The European collections presented numerous memorable works. One of the day’s highlights was getting a selfie with Vincent van Gogh’s Self Portrait with a Straw Hat (The Met) and seeing a study of Georges Seurat’s magnificent A Sunday on La Grande Jatte (The Met). Other notable works included John Singer Sargent’s Wyndham Sisters (The Met) and Renoir’s Woman with Parakeet (Guggenheim). 

Moreover, I was particularly excited to see more pieces by Edgar Degas, especially after seeing a copy of his famous sculpture Little Dancer of Fourteen Years outside the Degas House in New Orleans. One that I was fond of is his Dancer Moving Forward (Guggenheim) sculpture. 

Modern

The modern collections sparked much reminiscence and contemplation. Georgia O’Keeffe’s Ladder to the Moon (Whitney) initially made our group think of Leandro Erlich’s Too Late for Help piece in the New Orleans Museum of Art Besthoff Sculpture Garden, and it was a different look than what we were used to seeing from Ms. O’Keeffe.

And, Keith Haring’s Untitled 1981 piece (Whitney) was enjoyed by everyone and left us thinking of his other known works. 

Further, we discovered interesting connections, like learning that Mark Rothko’s Number 10 (MoMA) was donated by Phillip Johnson, whose architectural work we had admired at University of Saint Thomas Cathedral in Houston, the PPG building in Pittsburgh, and the Water Gardens in Fort Worth!

Rene Magritte’s The Lovers (MoMA) particularly excited Olivia, while Salvador Dali’s The Persistence of Memory (MoMA) proved even more captivating in person than in reproductions. 

Jackson Pollock’s One: Number 31 (MoMA) captivated us with its scale and abstract expressionist techniques. And, seeing Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night (MoMA) in person was a treat, a piece Olivia and I had long hoped to experience!

Seeing art from these diverse categories has helped structure my understanding. As I learn more about art, it becomes enjoyable to identify artists before reading the placards. I hope to develop this skill further, aspiring to reach the expertise level of Stephanie, Professor Yawn, and Olivia!

NY Stroll

Walking to four art museums allows for quite a lot of site-seeing, and we tried too make most of our journeys on foot. We began by hoping to photograph the Statue of Liberty, but we were foiled by New York’s never-ending construction. The Statue of Liberty was visible only by boat or through a window, and we only had time for the latter–definitely not the photo we hoped for.

As if to compensate, we had an unexpected photo opportunity, when we all witnessed what Olivia described as “the most New York thing I’ve ever seen”–a squirrel eating a bagel.

We also made our way past the “Charging Bull”, which judging by the sides of the crowds, was probably one of the most popular sites in NYC.

Nearby, we saw the statue of the defiant and vigilant girl, who keeps watch on the New York Stock Exchange.

Because this trip was designed for us to see the presidential inauguration, we also stopped by “Again”, the Federal Hall, to get another and better photo of the George Washington Statue. This significant site was witness to the first ever presidential inauguration and, later, to the writing of the Bill of Rights.

Probably the biggest treat for us was visiting the grand New York Public Library. We stopped for a selfie here, named after the two famous lions who stand guard to the front of the building.

One of these lions is named Patience; one is named Fortitude. No one, it seems, knows which is which, and because they are identical, we’re not sure it matters. Inside the NY Public Library, we visited the periodical reading room, which features 13 murals by Richard Haas. After some negotiation with the paid staff, we were allowed to take a few pictures. Haas, of course, has done 15 murals in our adopted hometown of Huntsville, Texas. Interestingly, New York has the most interior murals of Richard Haas, while Huntsville has the most exterior murals of his in any city in the world. Not to brag, or anything. (Thank you Linda Pease.)

Of course, we had to stop into the nearby Grand Central Station, which we found to be beautiful.

Chrissy also found the “whispering wall,” where a vocalization on one corner will transmit to the other corner, with those in between none the wiser.

All of the above occurred fairly early in our 15 hour day. Our trip back to the hotel, however, was at the end of the day through Times Square, which Chrissy regarded as a special hell on Earth. Having walked more that 30,000 steps, Chrissy’s ankles were literally bleeding, and her misery quickly became ours.

In fairness, Times Square is a bit much, even by American standards. After spending the day reviewing the classics of art, it was a bit jarring to be amidst the gawkers, wannabe influencers, and loiterers. This, combined with the loud sounds and bright, multicolored lights, provided more than enough stimulation for everyone.

Amidst this chaos, we found Hope, literally. In 2008, Robert Indian transformed his classic LOVE sculpture into a HOPE sculpture, reflecting one of President Obama’s campaign messages. As Robert Indiana fans, we paused for a selfie, and in our head tallied up how many said large scale sculptures we have seen. Chrissy, 2; Olivia 4. And on this optimistic note, we wrapped up day two of our five-day democracy tour.

Celebrating Democracy: LEAP’s Journey Through Philadelphia’s Historic Sites

Though we weren’t able to watch the Inauguration in D.C., the LEAP ambassadors made the most out of January 20, 2025 in order to learn and expand our understanding of democracy. Through exploring the arts and historic artifacts, we are happy to say that the day was not unspent!

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall

by Michelle Cardenas

On Inauguration Day, as the nation welcomed a new president, the LEAP Ambassadors continued their Democratic Tour with a visit to two of America’s most iconic landmarks: the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall.

Our first stop was the Liberty Bell, a powerful symbol of freedom and resilience. Standing before this historic artifact, we couldn’t help but reflect on its significance—once rung to mark the signing of the Declaration of Independence and later embraced by the abolitionist movement as a symbol of liberty for all. Of course, no visit would be complete without a photo of the famous crack, a reminder that even imperfections can carry deep meaning.

After capturing the moment, we made our way across the street to Independence Hall, where the Founding Fathers debated and signed the Declaration of Independence and later drafted the U.S. Constitution. While we didn’t go inside, standing in front of the hall offered a sense of connection to the past.

However, we had the opportunity to visit the nearby Senate and House chambers, where pivotal moments in American history unfolded. In the House chamber, we stood in the very place where the first peaceful transition of power took place—when George Washington stepped down from the presidency and John Adams was sworn in. Standing in that historic room on Inauguration Day made the experience even more meaningful, serving as a reminder of the enduring legacy of democratic leadership.

As we continued our tour, we left with a greater appreciation for the moments and monuments that have shaped our nation’s history, and a little extra gratitude for warmer climates.

Philadelphia Museum of Art (PMOA)

Saara Maknojia 

Art plays a significant role in incapsulating the historical evolution of cultures across the world. To learn more about art in different parts of the world during the different time periods, LEAP students paid a visit to the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Gravitating towards the third floor of the museum, we split into groups to take on the two exhibits. Michelle, Israel, and I began our time strolling through the European and Asian art exhibits. The European side of the exhibit began with painting and artifacts from the Medieval time period. Immediately Michelle found, what happened to be her favorite from the exhibit, a piece by Joos Van Cleve titled Descent from the Cross.  

Passing through the European and Oriental artwork from Chinese, Japanese, and Korean artists, I approached a room filled with art best aligned with my heritage. The Southeast Asian collection contained a variety of “murti’s”, or idol sculptures often found in South Indian temples. From the columns with engravings of mythological characters depicted in Indian folklore stories, to the brass and golden murti’s, this surely became my favorite in the exhibit.  

Making Our Way to the Next Floor at PMOA

Cinthia Villarreal 

 After wrapping up the third floor, we headed to see my personal favorite section of the museum, the Impressionism and Post-Impressionism exhibits. With renowned artists such as Van Gogh, Cezanne, Claude Monet, and Mary Cassatt along the walls, we were thrilled to be exposed to more of the work during this artistic revolutionary era. As always, I gravitated toward Monet’s work. However, I was quite taken aback from one of his works from the later stages in his career, characterized by a dark colored shadows and bright colored background, giving the viewer just enough detail to get his idea across. Camille Pissarro’s Summer Landscape caught Israel’s attention. 

As we explored the other exhibits, we surprisingly walked past not one, but two huge Diego Rivera art pieces. We were incredibly surprised by having a Mexican American artist present so far north. 

The Modern and Contemporary art exhibit was our last stop in the museum. Chrissy, who found an interesting newfound appreciation for modern art last year, became visibly excited when we approached a couple of Andy Warhol signature pieces…

 

Though I find myself questioning this style of art extensively and is most definitely far from being my favorite, I can appreciate people’s feelings and appreciation towards the unique styles which they may gravitate towards and try to understand the intention of an artist when trying to provoke the viewer. We are always grateful to be exposed to a variety of ideas and fields that expand our knowledge and understanding not only of the arts, but of other people’s viewpoints that might differ from ours.  

A Little Fun in the Snow

By Olivia Discon

You would think that after 5 days in extremely cold weather that us Texans would immediately retreat indoors when presented the opportunity. However, we decided to hit the hills just outside the museum and go sledding!

This group had fun letting physics decide their fate, with some going down fairly smoother than others…

Cinthia, who is our ice queen, swiftly and enthusiastically rode down the hill several times and with different techniques.

Saara and Israel, who had a bit of a competitive edge, decided to race down the hill. That was soon squashed by a handful of icy collisions.

As for Chrissy, well, it was complicated. For starters, she unintentionally began backwards, and in true Chrissy fashion, did a couple of spins down the hill. She tried her best to regain control, and to that extent she did. However, it was too late for the immense fits of laughter achieved by the peanut gallery (us). So much so, that we gained the attention of CBS Philadelphia!

During an “on-the-street” interview, correspondent Kerri Corrado, was inquiring about how citizens brave the cold weather and how it may impact them.

While you can watch it here, here’s a short recap.

Michelle suggested layering up to the viewers, while Saara indicated our short-lived, childlike wonder out in the elements.

Chrissy, who made her way back up the hill from her wipeout, was covered in ice, as noted by Corrado.

Israel made it clear that he absolutely hated the cold weather and was quote “over it”.

I, myself, was not qualified to give anyone in Philly tips to brave the snow, as I had mysteriously lost one of my gloves.

While this was not the interview we were expecting, we were grateful for the opportunity to share our travels with the Philadelphian people!

Exploring the Foundations of Democracy: Lessons from Benjamin Franklin

by Olivia Discon

As the United States Presidential Inauguration approaches, one is reminded of the principles that we were founded upon. Virtue can be identified in many of our founding fathers, but one that infamously possesses 13 of them was an excellent choice to start the Philadelphia leg of our democracy tour. In addition, the Benjamin Franklin Museum was a fun experience to share alongside the SHAIP interns, who are getting their first crack at what it means to impact others through policy and the democratic process.

Beyond that, Benjamin Franklin is simply a fascinating individual. An inventor, postmaster, writer, scientist, diplomat, and a ladies man, his life was filled with innovation and service. The museum gave us a closer look at his achievements and his role in shaping early America.

One of my favorite artifacts was a mile marker Franklin introduced as postmaster to help standardize postal routes. Made of concrete, it would be difficult to (for me, at least) read compared to today’s clearly printed green signs, but it felt meaningful to see how he worked to modernize communication systems. We also saw ink balls from his printing press, along with other instruments used at the time.

Israel and Michelle especially appreciated the “Join, or Die” mementos, inspired by Franklin’s iconic segmented snake cartoon. The message of fragmentation is relevant now more than ever! 

Another awesome feature was the Lion’s Mouth—a slot where citizens could anonymously submit letters, including grievances or suggestions for improvement. It served as an early mechanism for public participation, and I appreciated the practical approach to governance, as well as his recognition of the importance of engaging with the broader community.

In many ways, LEAP and SHAIP strive to embody the spirit of civic engagement and the principles Benjamin Franklin instilled in our nation. As he once said, ‘Nothing so likely to make a man’s fortune as virtue.’ Through experiences like these, we continue to cultivate our understanding of the world to then contribute meaningfully to our communities.

Reading Rooms of the Rich and Famous: The Morgan Library

by Olivia Discon

Among our many stops in New York, our visit to the Morgan Library was a highlight, far exceeding my expectations. I knew it would be beautiful, but the experience left me in awe.

We began with an exhibit on Belle da Costa Greene, the library’s first director, whose story was as inspiring as the treasures she curated. Born in 1879, Greene was an African American woman who passed as white to navigate the racial barriers of her time.

Despite these challenges, she rose to prominence as a librarian and curator, eventually studying at Pratt Institute, where she trained for her remarkable career. Her contributions shaped the Morgan Library into what it is today, and the exhibit offered a glimpse into her extraordinary life and work.

The structure itself was stunning. In one room, for example, the ceiling crafted by Samuel Yellin, featuring 648 intricately detailed birds—each unique, down to the shape of their beaks.

Among the exhibit’s standout items were pieces from Belle Greene’s personal collection, including Albrecht Dürer’s Melencolia I…

…a masterpiece I’d studied in class, as well as a William Blake drawing and a signed poem by John Keats.

I was especially captivated by her desk and personal collection, which continued to show her exceptional taste! 

From there, we moved into the library’s main attraction—the breathtaking library room itself. Shelves were lined with treasures, including titles such as Dante’s Inferno…

…Rousseau’s The Social Contract, and works by Voltaire.

We even saw ancient artifacts from Mesopotamia and a Gutenberg Bible!

I felt like a kid in a candy store! 

As befits a wealthy collector, Morgan also owned a healthy collection of art, some of which was also on display. Thus, we were able to not only glimpse into the lives of the very wealthy, we were also able to expand our knowledge of art, by seeing works from Henri Matisse, John Singer Sargent, and William Wetmore Story, among others.

Before leaving, we quickly explored a Franz Kafka exhibit. Though our time there was brief, it was fascinating to see pieces that shed light on his complex and often enigmatic life.

As someone who has read some of his work, I wished we’d had more time to immerse ourselves in his story, especially after seeing an Andy Warhol portrait of him.

In the words of Kafka himself, “It is irresponsible to travel, even to live, without taking notes.” It was a privilege to add this visit to our travels—and to write about it!