Category: Art

From Balmorhea to Stonehenge

Big Bend Day 5

On day 5 of our West Trip Tour, we gave one last look at Marfa to say our goodbye before proceeding our journey home.  We had a chance to visit the Chinati Foundation again, and we posed for some photos amidst his minimalist art…

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa TX, Chinati Foundation

…with Beatriz, in particular, getting into the spirit of things…

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa TX, Chinati Foundation

We made a quick stop at Ft. Davis, where we stopped for some well-deserved ice cream at Herbert’s Caboose Ice Cream Shop. It was an interesting ice cream stop since it was in an actual old, green caboose.

Balmorhea State Park, by Beatriz Martinez

Moving on from our small stop at Ft. Davis, we headed over to the Balmorhea State Park. A 3.5-million-gallon freshwater pool, this natural spring was first created by FDR’S New Deal during the Great Depression in order to create new jobs. It was a one of a kind opportunity to swim, not only “like a fish,” but also among them.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Balmorhea State Park

With the goal of finding a turtle or two, we jumped in.

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/balmorhea

Everyone got to show off their varying swimming skills, from Brian and Christina not straying from the pool’s edge… to Kaitlyn and Beatriz jumping from diving board into 30 ft. deep water.

It was a fun place, and a different experience.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Balmorhea State Park

Ellen Noel Museum, Kaitlyn Tyra

After the Balmorhea State Park, we hurried off to the Ellen Noel Museum of Art in Odessa where a special exhibit on Andy Warhol was being displayed. The museum featured a gallery of permanent pieces, a sculpture garden, and two rotating exhibits. The first gallery we viewed was a special exhibit by Herb Williams.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ellen Noel Art Museum, Odessa TX, Herb Williams

The exhibit we saw utilized crayons as the medium. Immediately as one walks into the gallery room, they recognize the fragrant aroma of new crayons. Herb Williams’ goal in choosing crayons was to provide creativity and imagination to children, but also to bring back the childhood memories and likeness often forgotten among adults as a potential creative outlet.

Herb Williams used crayons to remake famous pieces of art. “H is for Hokusai”…

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ellen Noel Art Museum, Odessa TX, Herb Williams

…“I is for Indiana”…

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ellen Noel Art Museum, Odessa TX, Herb Williams

“O is for O’Keefe”, and “W for Warhol” all were included in the series. Each piece of art was created using crayons to illustrate the color and texture. Of course, the Ambassadors could not pass up the opportunity to take a picture with William’s remake of Robert Indiana’s LOVE. We admired the unique art and moved into the Andy Warhol exhibit.

A temporary exhibit at the Noel Museum of Art, the Andy Warhol exhibit took visitors from the beginning of his art career throughout the end showing the variation of Warhol’s style and art. Interestingly, we learned that Andy Warhol’s real name included an extra letter (Warhola) which he eventually dropped to create his “persona”. Of course, we saw Warhol’s famous Campbell’s soup can paintings, Marilyn Monroe portraits, and Elvis Presley portraits. We also saw some of Warhol’s more thoughtful works, such as his modernization of Venus from Boticelli’s “Birth of Venus” painting.

Warhol’s ideology of painting images that “meant nothing” gave his art style and made a statement in the art community. More than thirty years after his death, Warhol’s impact and influence is still visible in much of today’s art. Unfortunately, we were not allowed to photograph the exhibit, but we did enjoy Warhol’s artwork.

Next, we wandered outside to the sculpture garden. Numerous sculptures were displayed, but we immediately recognized three Jesus Moroles granite sculptures. One sculpture, “Musical Steele” made music similar to a xylophone. We made our own music by running our car keys up and down the sculpture. Another unique Moroles sculpture was titled “The Portal”, this piece was built onto the exterior wall of the art museum and was different from a traditional Moroles sculpture because it was not freestanding. We admired each sculpture before departing to our next destination!

 Stonehenge, by Brian Aldaco

After viewing one of art history’s most enigmatic artist, we visited one of history’s most enigmatic ruins: Stonehenge. Now although we did not travel to the United Kingdom, we were able to find a replica in Odessa, Texas.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Odessa TX, Stonehenge

This rendition of the famous ruins is located on the campus of the University of Texas of the Permian Basin. Although we are uncertain as to why someone would want a replica of Stonehenge, it provided us with a side adventure as we neared the end of our West Texas Tour.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Odessa TX, Stonehenge

While climbing on the stones, which are apparently 14% shorter than the original ruins, we decided it was prime time to take some photographs.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Odessa TX, Stonehenge

Along the way to Perini Ranch Steakhouse, we took a little stop in Midland. As we got off the freeway we steered into a quiet neighborhood. With houses of no extravagant facades but merely the marks of middle-class America, we neared a home who’s previous owner would have seemed unexpected.

Located on “Easter” Street due to its pastel houses, we found the George W. Bush Childhood Home a perfect location to take a photo-op.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Midland TX, George W. Bush Home

Although we were not able to take a tour of the home, we did feel proud to visit the previous home of this Texas-raised president after visiting the home of a Texas-born Vice President a few days before.

 Dinner at Perini Ranch Steakhouse, by Christina Perez

Our last stop of the day was the one we anticipated the most. Hungry and ready to get out of the car, we arrived in Buffalo Gap and headed for Perini Ranch Steakhouse. Kaitlyn had been here before after a moot court trip but for the rest of us it was sure to be a treat. We started with two appetizers: the quail legs and Jalapeno bites. Braitlyn (Brian and Kaitlyn) ordered the Ribeye with potatoes, Professor Yawn ordered the ribs, Beatriz tried the filet, and Christina ordered the award-winning burger. We all attempt to be adventurous with the menu items and usually enjoy it, but dessert was a different story. We tried the Jalapeno cheese cake which was not our favorite. We each had a bite and made a sour face. Don’t worry, the Leap ambassadors will not be deterred from trying new things in the future, even if it does cause us to make sour faces! With that last positive thought we retired for the day to prepare for tomorrow.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Odessa TX, Stonehenge

Big Bend and Minimalist Art

Reaching New Heights: West Texas Tour Day 4

The LEAPsters are still on the road and, today, we experienced a mix of natural beauty and minimalist art, which is sometimes beautiful and sometimes curious!

The Chinati Foundation

By Brian Aldaco

After a quick coffee break and crepés at Cedar Coffee Supply, we started our drive towards Marfa,Texas. where we began our tour of the Chinati Foundation. The Chinati Foundation, named after the nearby Chinati mountains, houses the works of Donald Judd and a few of his contemporaries. Judd, the acclaimed minimalist, refurbished a decommissioned cavalry base in town as an art foundation. He created the foundation to give his works the home they deserved. Judd believed in having control of the environment, the architecture, and the perfect lighting when showcasing his works. Unsatisfied with common art museum and gallery practices where he had little of this control, he created this foundation. Now, in this small community of about 2,000, there are 13 permanent installations by Donald Judd and other like-minded artists.

The first installation that we viewed was by Donald Judd. 100 untitled works in mill aluminum is a collection of 100 “specific objects,” as Judd liked to name his sculptures, of aluminum panels formed into rectangular prisms. All 100 pieces have dimensions of 41 x 51 x 72 inches and are housed within two old military warehouses that Judd refurbished to allow natural light to illuminate his metallic pieces. His pieces, just like the works of all the artists in the foundation, are highly conceptual. With some of his pieces seeming like they floated off the ground, while others, with their mirror-like walls, seemed to disappear against the background.

Our tour guide Glenn was very nice to our group, composed only of the three LEAPsters and Professor Yawn, and he agreed to compress the normal five hour tour to about two and a half hours. Therefore, we sped through the works of Carl Andre, Richard Long, and Dan Flavin.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Dan Flavin

This last artist’s works were among the favorites in the group. With no real title, The Marfa Project, as it has come to be known, are Flavian florescent lights that are housed within six abandoned barracks of the base.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Dan Flavin

Each barrack has a different arrangement of these lights, with different colors radiating from within as well.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Dan Flavin

Flavin arranges the lights to provide the viewer a participatory role in his art, as guests enter halls from which his light emanates, and become one with the florescent radiance.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Dan Flavin

 

Near the barracks, our tour guide showed us a sculpture of Claes Oldenburg. In his Oldenburgian style, this particular work was an enlarged horse shoe. As it turns out, Oldenburg created this sculpture to pay tribute to the last cavalry horse that was housed in the base.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Claes Oldenburg

Another favorite in the foundation was an installation by Ilya Kabakov. For his installation, titled School No. 6, he refurbished an abandoned barrack to resemble an abandoned Soviet era classroom. The interior of the installation is made to look old and dusty. In fact, during the reconstruction of the barrack, the designers added features that made the building look more weathered and old. Inside, the “classrooms” were riddled with Soviet newspapers, desks, Russian children’s books, old instruments, and other Soviet artifacts that he considered would belong in a classroom. One feature of this installation that interested us the most was how Kabakov created anecdotes and fictional characters for his installation. When inside, certain artifacts have stories attached to them. An old rag, for example, may include story alongside it of how a mischievous boy, after using the rag to clean off old paint from his desk, throws it around at his classmates during recess. Although these are fictional, just like the entire installation, it showcases the playful imagination of Kabakov.

After touring the The Arena, a gymnasium that was repurposed and designed by Judd to house a courtyard, kitchen, and dining tables (designed by Judd), we headed towards an installation by Robert Irwin.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Robert Irwin

For his installation, he took an abandoned medical building to play with the light and darkness of the interior. Using sheets and tinted windows, he creates a gradual change from darkness to light inside the building. In LEAP terms, one side represented a cheerful, light-filled Beatriz, while the other side represented a dark, somber Christina.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, Robert Irwin

But with a happier tone, we toured the last installation of the tour, which was located outside of the grounds of the foundation.

This last installation was created by John Chamberlain. Located in downtown Marfa, the warehouse contains twenty-five of his works. If you are not familiar with his conceptual art, his sculptures are created from car-scraps that he unites to form a single unit.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, John Chamberlain

As described by our tour guide, “he creates 3D renditions of abstract-expressionism.”

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Marfa, Chinati Foundation, John Chamberlain

Since this was our last installation of the tour, we said our farewells to Glenn, and promised that we would come back in the near future.

Lunch at Squeeze
By Christina Perez

Before heading into Big Bend National Park, we decided to try one of Marfa’s most well known restaurants. Squeeze Marfa is a Swiss café located in the heart of town. It started out as a juice bar but now has sandwiches, soups, and smoothies. It’s well know for its chocolate since it is the sole US distributer of Vollenweider chocolate. Professor Yawn ordered the Squeezadilla which had swiss cheese, gouda cheese, and ham on pita bread, and after having a bite of it, we all decided that it was the best plate in plate. Each of us tried new things like Brian’s Apple Zing smoothie or my Strawberry Banana Cabana smoothie. For anyone considering a visit to Marfa, Squeeze is definitely worth the try!

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Marfa TX

After taking a stroll through downtown, taking a few group pictures, and visiting the famous Hotel Paisano, which once housed the star-filled cast of the 1956 film Giant…

SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, Marfa TX, Hotel Paisano, Giant, James Dean

…we drove back east to Alpine to pick up our fellow LEAPster, Kaitlyn Tyra.

Big Bend
By Kaitlyn Tyra

After flying into Alpine and spending two days at Sul Ross State University for the Texas State University System Board of Regents Meeting, I was lucky enough to join my fellow Ambassadors and Professor Yawn for the second half of the West Texas Tour. My first activity of the trip was hiking at Big Bend National Park!

Although the rest of the group visited Big Bend the day before, we all eagerly loaded up and prepared for an exciting afternoon of hiking. Our drive from Alpine to Big Bend National Park was roughly two hours. This gave us plenty of time to prepare our backpacks, fuel our bodies with healthy snacks, and rest our feet for the adventurous hike ahead.

Our first hike of the afternoon was to Balanced Rock. I was excited to embark on the short hike after seeing many photos of the famous landmark, including Mark Burns’ photography. The hike was only a 2.2 mile round trip. We walked along the gravel-filled, sandy pathway…

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Balanced Rock

…admiring the desert landscape that surrounded us until we climbed a few steps up to Balanced Rock.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Balanced Rock

The view was amazing and we took many pictures to try to capture the beauty before hiking down to our car!

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Balanced Rock

Once we arrived safely at the van, we hopped back in and drove (30 minutes!) to our second hike.

Lost Mine Trail was a much longer hike. 4.8 miles round trip and 1100 feet in elevation, the hike was challenging and rewarding.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Lost Mine Trail

We walked along paths, climbed up man-made steps, and even over rocks that were naturally part of the pathway.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Lost Mine Trail

The trip up the mountain side took us around an hour and a half, but we enjoyed admiring the views of the nearby mountains and watching rain fall in the distance.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Lost Mine Trail

Once at the top of the mountain, we could see miles of Big Bend rolling hills and appreciate our hard work hiking up the mountain side.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Lost Mine Trail

With the setting sun and storms nearing, we cheerfully hurried down the mountain singing songs (literally!) of happiness because of all we experienced at Big Bend.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Lost Mine Trail

It was an adventurous day with a few scraps here and there, but a success nonetheless! The LEAPsters loaded up and departed on our journey back to Alpine once again.

LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Big Bend National Park, Balanced Rock

Big Bend or Bust

Christina: Museum of Big Bend

All of the LEAPsters were excited for the day to begin. We had finally reached Alpine, Tx and not so far away from that was the Big Bend Canyon. Before heading to Big Bend National Park, however, we decided to do some research on the history and life found there. What better way to do so than visiting the experts at the Museum of Big Bend located within the Sul Ross State University?

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, Alpine TX, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend

The Museum included a lot of helpful information about the history of the Park. One of the many facts that we learned about and found the most interesting, especially because the three of us had been a part of the Sam Houston Austin Internship (SHAIP), was that the bill that funded the park was introduced during the 43rd legislative session in 1933. Among the other things the museum had to teach us, ranged from wildlife, historic events dating back to the natives and Spanish Conquistadors…

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, Alpine TX, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend

and even about the past West Texas language.

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, Alpine TX, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend

The museum also had an additional exhibit of photos called the Big Bend and the Terlingua Project by the Dallas native, Terry Cockerham.

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, Alpine TX, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend, Terry Cockerham

With over 40 different black and white photographs, Cockerham captured and showcased the beauty that could be found at Big Bend Park.

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, Alpine TX, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend, Terry Cockerham

Also on display, was something that we really loved. It was an exhibition of over 20 different older cameras.

LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Sam Houston State University, Alpine TX, Sul Ross State University, Museum of the Big Bend, Terry Cockerham

We left the museum feeling more prepared to explore Big Bend National Park.

Beatriz: Guzzi Up

For our lunch, we decided to head downtown. Nestled among the older buildings was an old gas station that had been refurbished into an Italian restaurant called Guzzi Up.  Famished and with an appetite for something other than Mexican food, we went in for a scrumptious meal. To start, we got some meatballs, which we all had the pleasure of sharing.  Professor Yawn ordered a Potato and Sausage soup and a salad. The LEAPsters decided that they needed some carbs in them in order to last throughout the hike at Big Bend. We ordered a large Meatza pizza, that satisfied their appetite immensely. As soon as we were done and after wandering around Alpine’s historic downtown, the LEAPsters headed to their next stop.

Brian: The Hike at Big Bend

With looming clouds, and dusty wind gusts sweeping through the streets of Alpine, we started our 2 hour drive down to Big Bend National Park. Nothing would stop us from witnessing the natural beauty of this Texas landscape, not even a little rain. As we neared the park, with hills full of greenery looming beyond the road, the breathtaking site made us grateful that we had decided to attend this trip.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park

If familiar with Big Bend, you already know that exploration within the park is impossible without a map. Luckily as co-pilot to Professor Yawn, was our very own expert navigator, Christina Perez. We decided that our first hike would be down Boquillas Canyon Trail. Quickly, Christina opened her map and directed Professor Yawn down the 53-mile winding path that took us to the trail.

With clouds still menacing, we arrived at the trail, that ran parallel to the river, so we got plenty of pictures of this iconic border line.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park

We were excited to explore the trail and see where it led. As we got deeper into it, we were soon immersed into the bottom of a towering ravine. An ominous raven crowed as we continued our hike. However, this certain foreshadow of doom in the literary world, proved to be just another sound in the song of the Big Bend wild.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, Boquillas Canyon

Although we were not scared away by this crowing bird, we soon found that the trail had no easy access past the mouth of the ravine.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park

A little dismayed that we could not continue our exploration, we followed the trail back to our van and looked for a new path to explore.

We soon decided that we would view the North Window.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, North Window

After taking a few selfies and photo-ops with the Window in the background…

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, North Window

…we made our way to the last hike of the evening. The dirt road leading up to the Grapevine Hills Trail (home to the Balanced Rock) is an adventure in itself.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, Grapevine Trail

With road runners darting across, rabbits hoping along the road, and millipedes creeping all over…

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park

there was enough wildlife attractions to keep us enthralled with the park’s beauty.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park

Before we knew it, we had arrived at the trail. The Grapevine Hills Trail proved to have its breathtaking sights.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, Grapevine Hills

Every turn resulted in the discovery of a new scenic vista.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, Grapevine Hills

With a vast land of hills, greenery, and dessert, the trek up the trail moved like a breeze.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, Grapevine Hills

As we arrived at its peak, we were mystified by the marvel of the Balanced Rock.

SHSU, Sam Houston State University, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, Big Bend National Park, Grapevine Hills, Balanced Rock

Captivated by its magical balance, we stayed there for a few minutes to appreciate the surrealness of the landscape. The other worldly landscape, however, was slowly covered in darkness. As the sun crept behind the horizon, we started our slow descent down the trial. Although it was dark, our phones provided enough light to have safe footing, and we eventually found our van. As we drove through the nightly road, our adventures continued as the desert was teeming with life. Without a doubt, the wildlife was as ever-captivating in the night as it was throughout the day. In total, we saw about 3 deer, 9 rabbits, 3 jack rabbits, 1 white velvet ant, a plethora of field mice, a near million millipedes, 2 rattle snakes (from the safety of our van), 1 ominous crow, and 1 jolly mule.

Big Bend National Park

As we exited the park, dark and lonely as it was, we were excited for our return to Big Bend. Now all that there was left was good night sleep and for the new day to begin.

 

 

 

Texas Icons

Houston and San Antonio, by Brian Aldaco

With an initial rocky start of forgetting to pick up Brian from Willis, and having to turn back at Conroe which caused a delay of 25 minutes to our trip, we finally headed for Big Bend. To mark the first day of our West Texas Tour, we joined Mark Burns in Houston’s Hermann Park. What brings us to Hermann Park when our destination is Big Bend Canyon, you ask? In the middle of the entrance rotunda of the park, as some may remember from our previous Hermann Park visit, stands a statue of a horse-mounted General Sam Houston (created by Enrico Carracchio) that greets all visitors into the park.

Sam Houston, Mark Burns, SHSU, Hermann Park, Houston TX, LEAP Ambassadors

To honor the statue of this great Texas hero, Mr. Burns decided to photograph its grandeur.

Standing a few feet behind the camera-wielding Burns, we captured his photographic process through still and motion photography.

Sam Houston, Mark Burns, SHSU, Hermann Park, Houston TX, LEAP Ambassadors

This we will do along the trip as we continue to record Mr. Burns at his craft for his documentary.

Sam Houston, Mark Burns, SHSU, Hermann Park, Houston TX, LEAP Ambassadors

During his photo session, he explained to us how he framed the shot, pointing out different factors in the scene that could beautify his subject.

Sam Houston, Mark Burns, SHSU, Hermann Park, Houston TX, LEAP Ambassadors

He also mentioned how he was waiting for the perfect lighting conditions in the cloudy sky.

Sam Houston, Mark Burns, SHSU, Hermann Park, Houston TX, LEAP Ambassadors

After a few shots, we cleared the area, but not before taking some striking footage of Mark Burns. Mr. Burns soon finished his photoshoot in Hermann Park, and after showing some of his impressive photographic instruments, we climbed into our vans and headed towards San Antonio.

Along the way, however, we decided to soothe our grumbling stomachs with a short stop in Columbus, Texas. This quiet, quaint town, located about an hour west of Houston, is home to Keyser Market. Among other things, it is also home to an architecturally impressive courthouse. Even though we were unable to explore much of the town, we did enjoy a delicious sausage and chicken meal from Keyser. With our hunger satisfied, we got back on the road.

Soon, the country-land of vast pastures gave way to a network of highways; we had made it into San Antonio. On our first stop was the McNay Art Museum, located on the northeastern side of town.

McNay Museum, San Antonio TX, George Rickey, LEAP Center, SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors

Before we began our trip, we learned that the McNay had recently acquired a Robert Indiana LOVE sculpture. Excited, we entered the museum with the plan to pose by this LEAP favorite artwork. But more on that later.

As always, we went through the museum’s exhibits identifying artists that we were familiar with. In the first room of artworks we were amazed with an art piece by Alexander Calder. Snake on a Table, is a bronze, snake-like sculpture designed by Calder that balances on a table top while standing upright. The physics that makes this possible are incomprehensible to us as the snake balanced precariously on the edge of the round table. Nonetheless, the beauty in balance was just as inspiring. In the room, we also noticed pieces from other LEAP favorites such as Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Hopper, and Diego Rivera.

McNay Museum, San Antonio TX, LEAP Center, SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Diego Rivera

We also saw work by a recent LEAP favorite, Jim Love…

McNay Museum, San Antonio TX, LEAP Center, SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Jim Love

…a Houston artist introduced to us by Betty Moody.

Moving on to the next room, we noticed two Pablo Picassos, Crouching Woman and Portrait of Sylvette. Acknowledging the impressive pieces, we decided to commemorate the artworks by LEAPosing for a photograph.

McNay Museum, San Antonio TX, LEAP Center, SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Picasso

Every artwork had its own beauty, but the two that called our attention were a Pablo Picasso from his “blue period” and a non-minimalist Piet Mondrian. These artworks that differed immensely from their typical paintings, demonstrated the versatility of the artists. As LEAP offers eclectic opportunities to its students, we like to think that we are also versatile. Weather our varying talents include photography, you will have to judge our photos throughout the trip to answer this question.

In the meantime, we continued to explore the museum’s awe-inspiring collection. Before heading off to the sculpture garden on the grounds, we took a quick look at the south-western exhibit. We found the warm colors in the pieces to be soothing. Within the exhibit, we also marveled at a few artworks by Georgia O’Keeffe.

With the indoors artwork all viewed, we wondered onto the sculpture garden in search of LOVE, or at least Robert Indiana’s sculpture of LOVE. We explored the grounds and noticed some impressive sculptures that captivated our imagination. One sculpture by Joel Shapiro captured our attention with its gravity-defying qualities. However, we still had not found the sculpture that prompted our visit to the museum. It was with great dismay that after walking through the entire garden and coming back to where we started, we found a rectangular cover made up of panels. With trepidation, we neared the plaque at the foot of the enclosure. The plaque read “Robert Indiana, LOVE.” We learned that the museum is in the process of installing a new exhibit. To prevent certain sculptures from being damaged during the installation, some outdoor artworks had been covered, consequently denying the view of the public. With sadness, and feeling little love, we still posed in front of the covered sculpture with the determination to leave with a photo.

McNay Museum, San Antonio TX, LEAP Center, SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Robert Indiana, LOVE
LEAP Ambassadors, Saddened by the McNay’s Presentation of Robert Indiana’s “LOVE”

As we were sure that no one was left behind (including Brian), we climbed into our van, eager to continue our adventure.

The Alamo, The Saga, and Mi Tierra, by Christina

After exploring some San Antonio art and scouting out potential photography areas–including the Alam0…

San Antonio, SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, The Alamo

…we headed to dinner at the Mi Tierra Cafe y Panaderia. Since there were many Hispanic/Mexican among the group, we wanted to make it as authentic as possible. That is how we ended up in the Mexican Historic Downtown Market. As we walked into Mi Tierra, we could see colorful piñatas hanging from the ceiling and with each room that we passed the walls differed in colors. It was hard to decide on what to eat because everything sounded delicious. Brian ordered The Sonora Special, which included beef tips with ranchero salsa smothered on top. Brian is (or so he likes to think) our authentic Mexican food specialist. The others chose a wide variety of Mexican dishes including the Mole and guisado. While we waited for the food, we even had some mariachi sing the “Caminos of Guanajuato”, For dessert, we all shared some exquisite flan and it was scrumptious!

After dinner, we arrived at the San Fernando cathedral for “The Saga”, which is a light show that electrified the audience with its mesmerizing scenes. It told the story of San Antonio from the Alamo to the present day. To accompany the lights in the storytelling, there was also a collage of songs to represent the different changes of time.

San Antonio, SHSU, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, The Saga

The show lasted about 25 minutes. We decided to walk off our food and since Beatriz had never been to the river walk, we decided to take a stroll along the river walk.  Finally, after getting lost a couple of times, we headed back home for some rest and to get ready for the early start tomorrow.

Big Time in the Big Easy

After four days of fun and learning on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi, we said a final goodbye to our favorite lighthouse…

Biloxi Lighthouse, SHSU, LEAP Center, Southern Legislative Conference

…and to the beautiful tree sculptures…

Biloxi Lighthouse, SHSU, LEAP Center, Southern Legislative Conference

…and made our way to New Orleans, on our way home to Texas.

Café Du Monde, by Makayla Mason

As we walked through the interesting streets surrounding the French Quarter, the Leap Ambassadors were excited for the New Orleans culture we were about to experience. We were very tired and quite hungry, so our first stop was a New Orleans favorite: Café Du Monde. Café Du Monde was established in 1862. It is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and only closes on Christmas Day or in the event of a hurricane.

As soon as we sat down, a waiter came hustling up to us. We ordered 12 beignets and hot coffee. For some of us, it was our first time to ever enjoy the famous Café Du Monde beignets and coffee.

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans, NOLA

We all enjoyed our delicious treats, maybe even a little too much, based on how much powdered sugar was on our clothing!

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans, NOLA

With a great sugar rush, we were ready to explore!

SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Cafe Du Monde, New Orleans, NOLA

Exploring New Orleans, by Beatriz Martinez

We strolled along the streets of New Orleans until we reached Jackson Square. Jackson Square is located in the French Quarter and is a historical landmark, the site where Andrew Jackson defended US Territory in the War of 1812.

The cathedral is the third church to be constructed on that site since the year of 1718. Our guide gave us a very thorough tour of the church mentioning facts such as there being b

After taking the photos, we headed inside to tour the St. Louis Cathedral.

NOLA, New Orleans, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Jackson Square

The cathedral is the third church to be constructed on this site since the year of 1718.

NOLA, New Orleans, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, St. Louis Cathedral

Our guide gave us a very thorough tour of the church, mentioning facts such as there being bodies buried underneath the church, only the three B’s (Bishops, Brides, and Bodies) being allowed through the old front door, and the history behind the mural on the ceiling.

NOLA, New Orleans, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, St. Louis Cathedral

After the captivating rounds, we decided to head down further into the streets of New Orleans to see our favorite dog. The estate of George Rodrigue has a studio located in New Orleans where they exhibit his artwork, many of which sell for us much as $300,000.

NOLA, New Orleans, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, George Rodrigue Studios

As always, there was a variety of Blue Dogs depicted in various scenarios.

NOLA, New Orleans, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, St. Louis Cathedral

Everyone chose their favorite before heading back down to the French Quarter Market.

Among the many vendors in the market there was an assortment of interesting objects: colorful clothing, beaded jewelry, artwork, instruments, and a variety of other knick knacks. Some of the LEAPsters decided to begin their art collection.  Makayla was  captivated by the Weeping Angel statuette and bought several pieces. Interestingly enough, we decided to go look for the sculpture at the Metairie Cemetery, where we found her inside the Hyams mausoleum.

Hyams Cemetery, New Orleans, NOLA, LEAP Ambassador, SHSU

Boucherie, by Christina Perez

Before the Leap Ambassadors headed home, we decided to make one quick stop for lunch. We drove to the pretty, gray house with purple steps called Boucherie.  Makayla and Beatriz tried Boudin balls for the first time and seemed to enjoy it. Of course, if you’re ever in Louisiana that is the perfect thing to try. For our entrees, we each decided to try something new. Ryan got the New Orleans style BBQ Shrimp Po’boy.  During the trip, we drove past Krispy Kreme donut shops in Mississippi. Each time Makayla and Stephanie would look over and explain that when the light was lit up it meant that costumers got a free, hot donut. It was a trip full of activities so we didn’t have a chance to stop but we made up for it at the Boucherie. They had a Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding. Not only did our donut lovers get a treat, but our bread pudding specialists did as well.

Sculpture Garden, by Beatriz Martinez

Our last stop of the day was at the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. There we got to see pieces of our favorite art masters such as the LOVE by Robert Indiana…

NOLA, New Orleans, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Love, Robert Indiana

…Blue Dog by George Rodrigue…

NOLA, New Orleans, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Blue Dog, George Rodrigue

….Spider by Louise Bourgeois…

NOLA, New Orleans, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Spider, Louise Bourgeois

Among the other artwork, there were other very interesting creations. One of which was the Monkeys by Rona Pondick.

NOLA, New Orleans, Besthoff Sculpture Garden, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Rona Pendick

With their contorted figures and grotesque faces, they made an impression on those who happened to study them as thoroughly as we did. With a last glance at the artwork, we said au revoir to New Orleans and decided to head on home, although we could not resist making a last quick pit stop at Rosetree glass blowing studio.

NOLA.. New Orleans, LEAP Center, SHSU, LEAP Ambassadors, Rosetree Glass Studio

As far as six-day trips go, it was a quick one, with a load of memories, a lot of bonding, and a whole lot of learning.

Southern Legislative Conference, Gulfport MS, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU

 

A Day at the Museums–in Biloxi

Beatriz- Day at the Museums

With a light wind blowing playing with our hair…

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU

…today was perfect for going out on a Day at the Museums.  And our first stop was the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum, which was first planned in the early 2000s.  owever, when the actual construction started Hurricane Katrina hit Biloxi, washing away most of the construction. Undaunted, the city began construction again, employing the renowned Frank Gehry as architect.

The buildings have Gehry’s trademark curves and steel, making for an aesthetically stunning Museum (albeit difficult to photograph).

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry

There were  two guest artists being showcased at the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum: Ruth Miller and Greg Moran.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry

First, we saw the pieces of Mr. Moran.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Greg Moran

He mainly deals with different types of metals, wood, and stone to create sculptures and he also designs paintings.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Greg Moran

Mrs. Miller also has an interesting method of creating her own type of art.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ruth Miller

She uses stitches to bring to life tapestries.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ruth Miller

She accomplishes these masterpieces by first taking a picture, then tracing it onto a series of lined paper, and finally towards becoming a stitched artwork.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ruth Miller

We had never seen her work, and we were blown away by her skill and technique.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ruth Miller

…and we enjoyed going through the entire exhibit.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ruth Miller

Next, we saw the George Ohr exhibit. There are three defining features of an Ohr piece: 1) having many twists and turns 2) thin walls 3) and lastly naturalistic images.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ohr Pottery

Ohr had many qualities and charms. He became and eccentric man in order to become more successful. He would stand on his hands in front of his gallery to draw the crowd in, gel his mustache to look like it was being blown in the wind, and he verbalized various quotes that added to his art, such as “This Pot is here, and I am the Potter who was”.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Christina Perez, Kentucky Senator Dorsey Ridley
Christina Discusses Ohr Pottery with Kentucky Senator Dorsey Ridley

After these exhibits we took a short break for lunch and then headed to a ceramic workshop.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Ceramics

After a brief tutorial, we each designed–with varying levels of skill–tiles…

As part of our conference participation, the tiles will be glazed and mailed to us.  It was fun to learn and, pending the outcome of the tiles, we might even have something to keep!

At the next stop, we visited the Maritime and Seafood Museum. Biloxi was once known as the Seafood Capitol of the world, but after Hurricane Camille hit, they lost that title–although they still have a thriving seafood industry. Throughout the entire museum, we learned about the history of the seafood industry in Biloxi.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Maritime and Seafood Museum

This included poignant stories of specific sea vessels to technological innovations, such as this shrimp-peeling device.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Maritime and Seafood Museum

We even found a boat called “Little Bee,” our nickname for Beatriz.

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Maritime and Seafood Museum

One of the most interesting stories was about the lens from the Ship-Island lighthouse.  During the Civil War, Ship-Island was the site of a brief battle, and although the confederates declared victory, they retreated from the island, taking the lens with them.  Although it was returned and used again, the lighthouse became obsolete during the 20th century, and the Museum gained control of the Fresnel Lens.  During Hurricane Katrine, however, the lens was washed away, breaking into many pieces.  Originally crafted in France in 1820, the lens was believed lost forever.

Amazingly, however, the pieces of the lens were found and restored!

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Maritime and Seafood Museum

The curator described that restoration as a metaphor for the Gulf Coast, a hardy and durable area that, through teamwork, has managed to come back together after Katrina.

It was an educational day, full of networking and learning.  Little did we know what the evening had in store!

Southern Legislative Conference, Biloxi MS, LEAP Center, LEAP Ambassadors, SHSU, Ohr-O'Keefe, Frank Gehry, Ruth Miller

 

More Gulf Coast Fun, Night 2, Biloxi

Biking in Biloxi, by Beatriz Martinez

In order to work off the food, the Leap Ambassadors parted ways to see the seashore while exercising. Professor Yawn and Ryan went on a gator excursion, where they fed gators and got to “pet” them. The girls, however, went a much simpler route by doing a variety of safer alternatives.

The first of which was, of course, shopping.  Being at Beau Rivage, we decided to, briefly, get a glimpse at the casino. Being that not all of us were of age, we moved on to the shops and away from the casinos.

Biloxi MS, Southern Legislative Conference, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Beau Rivage

Along the way we happened to chance upon a face painter and of course Christina and Beatriz got their face painted.

Biloxi MS, Southern Legislative Conference, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Beau Rivage

Later, after touring the rest of Beau Rivage, we headed back to the hotel to get ready for our next excursion.

Part of the city of Biloxi’s recreational/ tourism efforts were incorporated in a bicycling program that you could use in order to cycle across most of the city of Biloxi. The three of us: Makayla, Christina, and I, took advantage of this opportunity and used it to ride 4 miles along the beach.

Biloxi MS, Southern Legislative Conference, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Beau Rivage

Part of Biloxi’s charm are the sea-themed sculptures along the shore.  Made from trees damaged in Hurricane Katrina, the community brought in artists to turn the dead trees into beautiful art.

Biloxi MS, Southern Legislative Conference, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Tree Sculptures

It’s a classic case of making lemonade from lemons, and we enjoyed the sculptures (Galveston adopted this program after Ike).

Biloxi MS, Southern Legislative Conference, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU,, tree sculptures

After more than 1 hour on the road, we headed back to the hotel to prepare for another night of fun.

Family Night, by Makayla Mason

With a beautiful sunset and perfect weather luring us into the Southern Legislative Conference’s Family Night, there was excitement in the air. To start the night with a hit, Jackson State University made a grand entrance.

Biloxi MS, Southern Legislative Conference, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU,, Jackson State University Sonic Boom Band

The crowd was cheered with approval as we all enjoyed their enthusiastic dances and electric music.

Southern Legislative Conference, Jackson State University Sonic Boom Band, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Ocean Springs MS

Their whole program was exciting and wonderful.

And the music and moves were great!

Speaking of moves, a certain couple–Christine and Aaron from the Lift School of Acrobatics–had some very flexible ones.

Southern Legislative Conference, Ocean Springs MS, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Arron and Christine, Lift School of Acrobatics

Their balance, elegance, and strength were amazing!

For the rest of the night, we enjoyed a picnic-on-the-beach style dinner with many items to choose from such as hamburgers, corndogs, nachos, cotton candy, and s’mores!

Southern Legislative Conference, Ocean Springs MS, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU

While enjoying our tasty dinner, we enjoyed live music by Steve Azar.

Southern Legislative Conference, Ocean Springs MS, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Steve Azar

Steve Azar, a Mississippi man, fully hit the country scene in 2002. His song “I Don’t Have To Be Me til’ Monday” was the first single to reach #2 on the national country radio charts.

Southern Legislative Conference, Ocean Springs MS, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Steve Azar

We were lucky enough to sing along with him as he played that very same song that is still popular on the radio today.

Southern Legislative Conference, Ocean Springs MS, LEAP Ambassadors, LEAP Center, SHSU, Steve Azar

As the night grew late, we played a few beach side games. We even played a tournament of bean-bag toss.

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Playing Horseshoes in the dark was interesting. Half the fun was trying to find where the horseshoes had buried themselves after we had thrown them. Makayla was the only one to get a ringer but Ryan had a few close throws.

We were sad to leave the Fun Zone, but it was off to get sleep for the next day’s adventures.