Art – Page 13 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

Exploring East Texas with Lee Jamison

By Michelle Cardenas

Although the semester has officially come to an end, the learning experiences for the LEAP ambassadors continue. This week we headed to the Pearl Fincher Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, Texas to indulge in “Ode to East Texas,” a beautiful art show created Lee Jamison.

Lee Jamison is currently a resident of Walker County and was kind enough to give us a personalized tour of “Ode to East Texas.”

As a native of East Texas, Jamison wanted to celebrate the true essence and culture of the region. He achieved his goal by highlighting various aspects of the lifestyle in the region such as nature, small towns, people, and even animals.

Walking into the exhibit, one is immediately captivated by the diverse array of colors and techniques used by Mr. Jamison. My attention was particularly drawn to a canvas with warm tones of autumn, one featuring a bridge, titled, “The Turning Bridge.” Interestingly, Mr. Jamison shared with me that the depicted bridge is actually located in Walker County.

During our conversation, he delved into the fascinating history behind “The Turning Bridge,” describing it as a true testament to the passage of time and a symbol of development and evolution. Mr. Jamison took us on a journey, recounting how the Trinity River once served as a port that significantly contributed to the local economy. However, as the locomotive industry gained prominence, the shipping of goods gradually diminished, becoming less and less common.

This poignant narrative woven into the artwork adds a layer of depth and historical significance, transforming “The Turning Bridge” into a powerful reflection on the evolution of the East Texas landscape.

A standout piece within this collection is the homage to SHSU’s iconic Old Main. The building was known for its stained glass, Gothic architecture, and intricate details.

The painting skillfully encapsulated the building’s beauty, but it transcended what was on the canvas. Lee Jamison’s artistic vision took us beyond the two-dimensional realm, delving into different aspects of the structure. Not only did he capture Old Main’s visual beauty, but he also carried on its subtle message to inspire dreams.

Upon closer inspection, it is evident that Jamison is a master of detail. From the intricate play of sunlight filtering through his pieces to the subtle expressions on the faces of his subjects, every element is meticulously crafted. This attention to detail serves to draw the viewer into the intimate moments that define life in East Texas.

“Ode to East Texas” by Lee Jamison is more than an art exhibit; it’s a celebration of a region’s spirit, culture, and natural beauty. Through his mastery of the canvas, Jamison invites us to embark on a visual journey, encouraging a renewed appreciation for the landscapes and stories that shape East Texas.

We express our gratitude to Lee Jamison for graciously taking the time to guide us through his remarkable collection, “Ode to Texas,” and for sharing valuable insights about his exhibition.

Charles D. Jones Returns to SHSU

Charles Jones graduated from SHSU sixty years ago, but he still has a presence here. That presence is in his art work on display in the Hoyt Art Building on SHSU’s campus; in the reputation he has formed as an artist and printmaker; and, most recently, in his generous donation of several art works to the Thomason Room at SHSU.

Jones graduated from SHSU in 1963, went on to earn two Master’s Degrees, and embarked on a polymathic career that has involved art, printmaking, music, and academia. After serving as a Professor of Art for many years at Stephen F. Austin State University, he retired to run La Nana Creek Press and was, in turn, named Professor Emeritus at SFA.

Jones is a master of the woodcut, which he often pairs with the written word in various books or other publications. He thinks of these, he says, as a “duet, with image and text achieving a balance.”

LEAP Ambassadors had a chance to see that balance, poetry, and art at the Thomason Room in the middle of finals week. With a mix of faculty, staff, locals, and the LEAP Ambassadors on hand, Joe Kirkland introduced Jones…

…who discussed his interesting works, which were on display around the Thomason Room. Intriguingly, the books took up every table in the room!

Jones discussed his varied career, the printing work he’s done on different topics (including insects, with his co-author, David Kulhavy, whose son, Aron, is the Huntsville City Manager), and his work with Ezra Pound’s widow (Dorothy) and son (Omar). In short, there was something discussed for everyone, and it was a very enjoyable afternoon.

But it wasn’t over! Barbara Kievit-Mason, the University’s Archivist, generously provided us a tour of the archives, where we saw old yearbooks (some, more than 100 years old), newspaper articles, and, most impressively, artifacts uncovered from the Old Main ruins, which followed the 1982 fire that destroyed the structure.

We saw old Sammys…

…pins…

…found some old friends in the yearbooks, and had an all-around enjoyable and educational day!

Many thanks to Charles Jones for his donations to Sam Houston State University, to Ms. Mason for our personalized tour of the archives, and to the Library staff who hosted such an enjoyable event!

A Holiday Murder Mystery: Fall Festivities with Pre-Law Society!

By McKenna Nonnenmann

The Pre-Law Society kicked off the semester with a bang at the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center, hosting a festive potluck imbued with the spirit of the holidays. Little did we know, our evening of laughter and camaraderie would take an unexpected turn when tragedy struck! Professor Yawn, our beloved advisor, met an untimely demise, and we found ourselves in the midst of a gripping murder mystery.

An ominous note to the otherwise beautiful Wynne Home

In a thrilling twist, the Pre-Law members became detectives, working collaboratively to uncover clues scattered throughout the Wynne Home and unveil the motives of five suspects. Revelations surfaced as members stumbled upon incriminating emails exposing each suspect’s top law school choices, with one, in particular, catching our attention. Mark Harkrider, known for terrorizing children and pilfering their Halloween candy, found himself barred from law school by Professor Yawn.

Professor Yawn and Harkrider in happier times

As the night unfolded, conflicts between the suspects and the late professor emerged through the discovery of evidence.

My own motive, as McKenna Nonnenmann, was revealed to be Professor Yawn’s disdain for cats, particularly my beloved feline companion, Loki. The tension reached its peak when the autopsy report was revealed, tying all the pieces together. The verdict was unanimous—Mark Harkrider was responsible for Professor Yawn’s demise, and justice prevailed.

Following the gripping murder mystery, the Pre-Law Society embraced the competitive spirit in a game of Jeopardy, vying for a coveted Target gift card. Questions ranged from pop culture to the society’s own meetings, sparking excitement as members tried to outwit each other. Ariza Martinez, Cinthia Villarreal, Nicole Erazo, and Mark Harkrider emerged victorious, claiming the prize amidst cheers and applause.

The evening, filled with suspense and laughter, concluded with members relaxing at the Wynne Home, sharing food, and engaging in lively conversations.

Special thanks were extended to the Wynne Home Arts and Visitor Center for graciously hosting our social, and heartfelt appreciation was directed to the Pre-Law Society fall planning committee for orchestrating the memorable activities.

To all the members who attended, your enthusiasm and participation made the night unforgettable. This was truly a night to remember, and we hope to make future events such as these a habit, with the exception of harm to Professor Yawn.

Community Talent on Display: SHMM Photo Contest

Morgan Robertson

When the year nears the end and the sun sets earlier, it is time for the Sam Houston Memorial Museum’s Annual Photography Contest! Stephanie, Michelle, Cinthia, Olivia and I joined the museum patrons for a wonderful exhibit. There were many submissions, which showcased the community’s talent, and we enjoyed chatting with friends and perusing the different photos.

This year, I chose to try my hand in the contest and submitted three photos! There was great competition; although I didn’t walk away with a ribbon, I was still honored to have been in the ranks of some amazing photographers.

This event is enjoyable for many reasons, but by far the best reason is to see the world through the eyes of each photographer. After a brief reception, Curator of Exhibits, Jude Routh, addressed the audience and explained that the photos were ranked by a committee, with winners being selected by overall ranking.

In addition to Curator’s Choice and Best in Show, rankings occurred across the following categories: Academia, Texas History, Natural Devastation, Love and Birds.

Curator’s Choice: Angela Dunham (submitted in the “Love” Category)

Best in Show: Cade Crippin (“Natural Devastation”)

Reserve Champion: Capucine Buzzini (“Love”)

Academia/Education category: C. Buzzini (3rd place) E. Day (2nd place) and C. Buzzini (1st place)

Texas History category: Thomas Rice (1st), Cade Crippin (2nd), and Dustin LeNorman (3rd).

Love category: Capucine Buzzini (1st), Angela Dunham (2nd), and Loretta Crow (3rd).

Natural Devastation category: Teresa Cook (1st), Cade Crippin (2nd) and Stacy Adams-Roberts (3rd)

Bird category: Capucine Buzzini (1st), Cissy Saccomanno (2nd), and Capucine Buzzini (3rd)

Of course, we all had our favorites, and we enjoyed seeing all the entries.

On behalf of the LEAP Ambassadors, thank you SHMM for hosting such an amazing and community-centered event. And congrats to all the winners!

The TX Book Festival: A LEAP Adventure

Texas Book Festival- Day 1

by Cinthia Villarreal

Following our morning of art with Daniel Arredondo, LEAP students made their way to day one of the Texas Book Festival!

We were thrilled to enter a space in which we could gain firsthand accounts from authors from a wide range of genres.

Our first session was titled “What We Lost: Stories of Family & Womanhood” hosted by the authors Alma Garcia and Esmeralda Santiago. In this session, the authors talk about the emotional complexity of the Puerto Rican diaspora, tragedy and healing, and the sacrifices made by women.

Continuing the theme of hard-hitting conversations, we visited Contemporary Art Museum’s Rooftop to listen to Ava Chin and Rodrigo Dorfman at their panel titled; “Lived Experience: a Legacy of Exclusion and Exile”. This was Olivia and Michelle’s favorite session of the day. Chin, in her book “Mott Street” covers the longstanding impact the Chinese Exclusion Act had on her family and the Chinese community, as a whole, for generations. On the other hand, Dorfman read an excerpt from his memoir “Generation Exile: the Lives I Leave Behind” which had a few people in tears by the time he finished reading. Dorfman talked about a “generational curse” in his family where his grandfather, father and himself were all exiled from their country by the age of seven years old.

During the Q&A space, Olivia asked Chin and Dorfman about the reaction their families had about their writing and how they approach the various complexities of their perspective.

After this highly emotive session, we went on to attend the “Pictures & Words: Bret Anthony Johnson & Keith Carter on Ghostlight”, a photography book with filled with Carter’s “Bayou-Gothic” aesthetic.

He made use of a vision problem in one eye, influencing his style of photography with a short depth of vision. Carter’s oblique positioning and his sense of light and “aberrations” makes for a style that truly tells a story for the viewer to contemplate.

While some of our photographs possess aberrations, they are not nearly as intentional or as visually appealing as Carter’s mastery.

Following the informational session, we went straight to listen to another group favorite panel, Rachel Louise and Meg Kissinger at “We Need to Talk: Urgent Stories about Domestic Abuse & Mental Health”. She emphasizes the stigma mental illness had in her early years and the impact it had in her family as a whole.

This panel allowed us to see where generational perspectives of mental health and violence intersect, which provided a poignant reminder of open dialogues such as these.

Our excitement, though boundless, was met with the sobering realization that our enthusiasm outmatched our wallets. BookPeople, the largest independent bookstore in Texas, was the seller of all books discussed throughout the weekend. We picked out some titles that piqued our interest, along with books from the panels we had visited throughout the day.

Blanton Museum of Art

by Madison Cawthon

After we wrapped up at the Texas Book Festival, we had the chance to check out the Blanton Museum of Art.

This was a first for many of us, including myself, but the live music upon entry indicated that we were in for a fantastic experience.

After checking in at the museum, we ventured to Ellsworth Kelly’s Chapel, otherwise known as Austin.

The Austin Chapel is a cruciform architectural structure that was originally designed by artist Ellsworth Kelly. Known for his use of color and shape, this chapel can be considered one of his grandest designs.

Geometric black and white canvases adorned the walls, while vibrant rainbow-stained glass designs graced each corner of the structure.

After experiencing the Austin Chapel…

…we then made our way inside the art gallery. There were several different exhibits to ponder, so the group made haste to absorb as much as possible.

The Art of the United States exhibit was split into various time periods. As we walked through the exhibit, we were able to notice the changes that occurred in the art world as time went on. “Woman in Brown” by Manierre Dawson, which was among various abstract and cubist paintings, was one of my personal favorites!’

Another exhibit we explored was the Latin American art exhibit. One piece of art Michelle particularly liked was the “Cruzado El Rio Bravo” by Luis Jiminez, as she felt it captures the sacrifices many immigrants have to make in order to better their lives. This sacrifice was perfectly encapsulated in the faces of those who have experienced this firsthand, forging a powerful connection with those who have shared a similar journey.

For some of us, this was a near first in an art museum, while others were veterans, but we all found news and interesting things.

The day was filled with several emotional and intellectual evocations, and we left the day with a newfound appreciation for the human condition.

Exploring Art in Austin with Daniel Arredondo

LEAP is in Austin for the Texas Book Festival this weekend, but if you know us well, you know that we did plenty of exploring of the state’s capital as well. The conversations and experiences we shared deviated from some of our typical topics, but was a completely rewarding and thought-provoking way to spend our Saturday!

A Visit to Daniel Arredondo’s Art Studio

by Michelle Cardenas

Rewarding is certainly the appropriate work for the art of Daniel Arredondo, a renowned artist and friend of LEAP. Mr. Arredondo was kind enough to give us a tour of his studio and walk us through his creative process.

The journey to the studio was a little rocky, but we were soon blown away with the serene views surrounding his property. We were warmly greeted and welcomed in by Mr. Arredondo himself.

Walking into Mr. Arredondo’s studio was beyond incredible, and it felt as though we were transported to a new world. We were met by his extensive collection of cigar boxes decorated with his art and impeccable craftsmanship.

Daniel Arredondo is known for his paintings of landscapes that focus on trees and the stories they tell. He uses the trees as a metaphor to tell the story of life and emit some of the emotions in the human experience. He explained to us that just like our individual experience, each tree is unique. As an artist, his central focus is to go beyond the surface, which is pronounced in the inclusion of the tree’s roots in each painting.

To our amazement, Daniel Arredondo does not arrange the composition of his paintings before he starts. Everything that he wishes to express comes out in real time, even using the canvas as a palette to mix the colors. In response to our astonishment, he read us a quote from Mark Rothko: “A painting is not a picture of an experience, it is an experience”. While we were already incredibly grateful to have just witnessed his many pieces, Mr. Arredondo very generously gave us 6 prints of some of his favorite works, along with an original small-scale painting as a keepsake, and many of us also made a purchase!

Personally, this was the first piece in my art collection, unlike Jessica, who after today’s trip now has a total of 12 Arredondo pieces!

We were humbled by his generosity, hospitality, and willingness to share his perspective and his artistic process. We had a wonderful time and left with beautiful mementos that we will cherish as young art collectors!

LEAP Takes on Fleet Street! Sweeney Todd

By Olivia Discon

Attend the tale of Sweeney Todd!

LEAP students experienced plethoric frightful festivities this ‘Halloweekend’, with some students left more spooked than others. To continue the fun, we enjoyed Theatre Under The Stars’ (TUTS) rendition of Sweeney Todd!

We ventured to our favorite food hall, POST Market, to taste an array of different dishes and cuisines. Similar to our fear factor, some students are more adventurous diners than others. The dishes ranged anywhere from coconut curry, tacos, shrimp alfredo, to a cubed biscoff croissant! This experience-for both newcomers and returning customers- was as refreshing as it was satiating.

Of course, while at Post Houston, we took advantage of some roof-top views for photos.

Our viewing of Sweeney Todd was highly anticipated, as Michelle and I had the chance to watch the Sam Houston’s rendition of the musical back in April. TUTS had a lot to live up to, considering the high standard set by SHSU’s performance.

The story, set in 19th-century London, revolves around the vengeful Sweeney Todd, a barber seeking retribution against those who have wronged him. The eerie plot, coupled with a hauntingly beautiful live orchestra, instilled a palpable sense of unease right from the moment the blade emitted its initial, spine-tingling screech.

There were touches of levity throughout the musical, creating a juxtaposition of humor and horror. The group particularly enjoyed “A Little Priest” and ‘By the Sea” for their wordplay and irony woven into the storytelling. A select few of us in the group found the wordplay extremely humorous, making it known to the rest of the theatre through our persistent giggling.

As we headed back to Huntsville, the group recounted their thoughts, including our favorite moments, plot twists that shocked us, and the characters that resonated with us the most. Personally, the conversation following a visit to a performance or art exhibition is my favorite aspect of the endeavor. While it is intellectually stimulating, it also allows for closer connections and camaraderie!

We had the opportunity to use the holiday as a learning opportunity; looking at Halloween under the scope of both civic engagement and the arts. Activities such as these, while already incredibly enjoyable, become triply important, serving to educate, offering a cultural experience, and providing a team-building exercise.

Celebrating Sam Houston

On this week 187 years ago, Sam Houston was inaugurated as the first-ever President of the Republic of Texas. Almost two centuries later, his legacy continues, in large part because of the great work done by Sam Houston State University and the Sam Houston Memorial Museum and Republic of Texas Presidential Library.

Tuesday night, the Museum celebrated not only the anniversary of Houston’s inauguration, but also the addition of numerous new and impressive artifacts to its large collection. And speaking of impressive, the celebration was just that!

Derrick Birdsall, Director of the Museum, opened the program with remarks at 6:30, introducing President White and the many other notable guests in attendance.

President White also spoke, highlighting Houston’s legacy, discussing his impact and relevance, not only to Texas history, but also to our own time, and also noting the role that the Museum plays in attracting students to SHSU.

Mikey Sproat, Curator of Collections, also took to the podium, discussing the addition of artifacts to the Museum and pointing to their centrality to understanding Texas history and Houston’s life.

The most prominently displayed artifact in the rotunda was Sam Houston’s commission as Commander in Chief of the Texas Army.

Included on the display is a QR code that allows visitors to scan and learn more about the document–one of many efforts the Museum has made to scale up the accessibility of their online artifact collection, which supplements the physical presentation of their artifacts.

But the allure of the Museum goes beyond the presentation and artifacts; it is also tied to the people who work and visit the Museum. Accordingly, the LEAP Ambassadors were thrilled to help for the event when asked by Director Birdsall. Our part was small, but it allowed us not only to assist Birdsall, but also to work with the great staff at the Museum…

…which included: Megan Buro, Jude Routh, Mikey Sproat, Joann Purvis, Yesenia Marroquin, Tim Scott, and Gregoria McGuire.

When the formal part of the program ended around 7, we had a chance to relax a bit and enjoy the Museum and the many wonderful people there: President James Gaertner and Nancy Gaertner, Mac and Leanne Woodward, Jane and Dr. Charles Monday, Vice-Provost Anne Gaillard, Aron Kulhavy, Tammy Gann, Regent Sheila Faske, former Regent Trisha Pollard, and Charlie Vienne.

We had a chance to say hi to Russell Martinez, which was nice because a few of the LEAP Ambassadors have been awarded the Martinez Scholarship. We met Bill Dabaghi, a genuinely nice guy who shared with us some of his family’s history in the area.

And we also had the opportunity to visit with individuals from the President’s office, including General Glaser, Jennifer Alexander, and Tabitha Shanley. And, of course, we took the opportunity to take a photograph with President White.

We even had a chance to visit with one of our favorite alumni, Blake Roach!

There was also great music…

…as well as a rare opportunity to physically enter the Museum’s displays. In one area, SHMM depicts Santa Ana’s “surrender” to an injured Sam Houston, and the Museum will soon be removing this exhibit. Therefore, it allowed visitors (and staff!) to enter the area and have fund with photographs!

We attend or assist with approximately 50 events per semester, but the general consensus is that this was our favorite this semester. We had the chance to spend time in one of our favorite places, with some of our favorite people while being part of the Sam Houston community.

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