Art – Page 7 – Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics

An Evening to Remember: Celebrating Sam Houston’s Inauguration as TX President

By Olivia Discon

October 21, 2024, marked the 188th anniversary of Sam Houston’s inauguration as the first elected president of the Republic of Texas. It’s somewhat of a tradition for LEAP Ambassadors to volunteer, but this year’s event had a special twist, with a new Sam Houston Memorial Museum exhibit featuring Houston’s Executive “Mansion.”

As volunteers, we assisted in greeting guests throughout the museum. Michelle and Chrissy were tasked with driving attendees in golf carts from the parking lot to the museum. While their driving may have inspired a newfound appreciation for walking among some, the passengers arrived in good spirits.

The celebration was well-attended, with approximately 100 guests, including local figures such as Mac and Leanne Woodward, Michelle and Winston Spencer, Mary Laura Gibbs, Glynda Turner, former Mayor Jane Monday,Vice-President Matt Bethea, Dr. McCartney Johnson, Tabitha Shanley, Interim City Manager Sam Maisel…

…and Assistant Director of the Academic Success Center Heather Caudle.

And yes, Derrick Birdsall was there too.

One of the most exciting moments was meeting the renowned sculptor David Adickes, the man behind “A Tribute to Courage,” also known as “Big Sam.”

It’s safe to say we were star struck in more ways than one.

Once everyone had settled in, Matt Bethea, SHSU’s Director of University Advancement, gave opening remarks, discussing how the investment in university advancement strengthens SHSU’s position and puts it on a stronger playing field. His remarks highlighted the broader significance of projects like this exhibit for the university’s future.

Derrick then took the stage for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, offering a brief explanation of how the executive mansion exhibit came to life.

He shared the backstory of incorporating the mansion into the existing galleries, with help from local company Steely Lumber, which provided key materials for the project.

The exhibit itself is a interactive and fun representation of Houston’s life, styled after “an college student’s dorm room on a Monday night.”

It highlighted Houston’s well-known gambling habits and showcased his love for books, offering a balanced portrayal of both his vices and intellectual interests.

Another renowned artist, Lee Jamison, took the time to speak with us as well. His work can be found all over the state, and many of the LEAP Ambassadors—past and present—are huge fans of his distinctive style. A favorite of many is his painting of Old Main from his Huntsville at Night series. It was fun to hear him recount the many efforts that went into crafting the piece, including the detailed research into the stained glass windows. While I couldn’t help but feel a bit sad knowing I’ll never get to see the building in person, his painting offers the next best thing.

The Sam Houston Memorial Museum always puts on fantastic events, and for many of the students, it was their first time visiting the museum. It was truly an evening to remember!

An Afternoon of Laughter with LEAP: “Noises Off” at the Alley Theatre

by Michelle Cardenas

This past weekend, the LEAP Ambassadors, along with friends and alumni, took our regular trip to Houston for an afternoon filled with laughter, great food, and a little culture. Our destination: The Alley Theatre to see the farcical comedy Noises Off. These Houston outings have become something of a tradition for us—a chance to bond over good food and great theatre, and this time was no exception.

Before heading to the show, we made our first stop at POST Houston, a spot we frequent for its array of restaurants that cater to every craving. From sushi to burgers and international cuisine, POST has something for everyone. After fueling up, it was time for our traditional rooftop photo with the Houston skyline in the background—a moment we capture every time we’re in the area. The LEAP Ambassadors, a few friends, and alumni joined in for the photo op, including Michelle Lyons and her daughter Katherine Burnett, SHSU alum and former SHAIP intern Ashlyn Rodriguez with her husband, as well as Jacob Wessels and Yajaira Gutierrez. With full stomachs and a great group, we were ready for the play!

For those unfamiliar, Noises Off is a comedy about…well, comedy. It’s a play within a play, following a chaotic theatre troupe as they stumble (quite literally) through a performance. Having some theatre background myself, I was eager to see how close this farce would be to the real backstage antics I’ve experienced. Spoiler alert: it was spot on—and absolutely hilarious.

The play is structured in three acts, each highlighting a different stage of a theatre production.

The first act is the troupe’s final rehearsal before opening night, where the director desperately tries to smooth out the rough edges—particularly the constant confusion over a plate of sardines, which becomes a running joke. The second act gives us a behind-the-scenes look, with the audience seeing the backstage chaos unfold as the actors’ personal issues boil over. Doors are slamming, props are misplaced, and love triangles are revealed. And then, in the final act, we witness the disastrous final performance, where everything that could go wrong does. The actors are left to improvise their way through the script, which by now is nothing more than a series of disconnected lines and missed cues.

It was a joy to see our group laughing together, especially as some of us were familiar with the antics that come with putting on a play. Stephanie, in particular, has long been a fan of Noises Off, and by the end of the show, Yajaira had declared it her new favorite too. It’s no wonder—between the witty dialogue and physical comedy, the play is a masterclass in farce.

As we walked out of the theatre, we couldn’t help but keep laughing about the final performance scene—the sardines, the dropped lines, and the general mayhem. It was a perfect ending to a perfect afternoon. In fact, I think the sardines became their own character in the play! It was a delightful reminder that sometimes, when everything goes wrong, it makes for the best kind of theatre…and memories.

We can’t wait for our next Houston adventure!

Milling about in Little Rock

One of the pleasant things about Little Rock, AR is the mix of major museums and attractions and smaller, more intimate points of interest. Thus, after spending a few days attending a major book festival, visiting the Little Rock Central High Civil Rights Museum, and the Clinton Presidential Library, the LEAP Ambassadors prepared for a short respite at Old Mill Park in North Little Rock, AR.

The site is perhaps most famous as the last surviving set of Gone With the Wind (where it appears for approximately two seconds at the beginning of the film), but it is now a destination for any individuals or groups who want a beautiful place for photos.

The park has several bridges…

…several water features…

…an intriguing stone structure…

…and, of course, a mill, which is also a water feature.

For us, it was a pleasant way to spend an early evening, relaxing and enjoying the beauty of the Natural State.

On a Roll in Little Rock

On our second day in Little Rock, AR, we hoped to continue the momentum set on our busy first day. With this in mind, we set out to tackle a new restaurant or two, the Clinton Presidential Library, the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and to kick off the Six Bridges Book Festival. We did all we set out today–and more!

Clinton Presidential Library and Museum

by Olivia Discon

Continuing our exploration into history, politics, and culture, we had the opportunity to visit the Clinton Presidential Library and Museum. Before stepping inside, we took a moment to explore the grounds, which are beautifully landscaped and situated along the Arkansas River. The glass-and-steel building, designed to resemble a “bridge to the future,” offers a modern backdrop that complements the historical significance of the museum.

The visit kicked off with a short film detailing Bill Clinton’s early life and career. The film highlighted Clinton’s journey from a small-town boy in Hope, Arkansas, to his time at Georgetown, and later his entry into politics. One of the most compelling parts was hearing about how he navigated the turbulent waters of the 1992 election, ultimately becoming the 42nd president of the United States. After the film, we ventured into the heart of the museum: the comprehensive overview of Clinton’s two terms in office. Each section of the exhibit is organized by year, giving us a look at the major events that defined his presidency.

From intense policy battles to personal moments, it was a well-rounded portrait of his time in office.

One feature I enjoyed was the binders of Clinton’s daily schedules for every single day—ranging from meetings with world leaders to a quick jog!

Among the many highlights was learning about President Clinton’s key reforms. His policies on healthcare, particularly insurance and medical leave, were revolutionary for their time, affecting millions of Americans. We also spent time on his efforts to address the federal budget deficit, an emphasis throughout his presidency that has shaped many political conversations since. It’s easy to focus on President Clinton’s charm and charisma, but this visit reminded us of his policy legacy as well.

Oh, and it’s hard not to mention his other legacy—though the museum delicately handled his impeachment proceedings.

A special moment for us was the section on the Little Rock Nine.

The connection to our visit the previous day was clear, tying civil rights struggles from the 1950s to the ongoing political landscape Clinton navigated during his presidency. It felt like a seamless link between the past and present struggles for equality and justice.

We also thoroughly enjoyed the art on display. There was a small Frank Lloyd Wright statue of a house that had been gifted to Hillary Clinton, a beautiful example of his architectural style in miniature form.

We also saw a stunning Dale Chihuly glass sculpture…

The Oval Office replica was another highlight, showcasing Clinton’s presidential style.

We saw sculptures by Remington and Rodin and a painting by Childe Hassam.

An unexpected surprise was a Norman Rockwell painting that we didn’t immediately recognize.

All in all, our visit to the Clinton Library was both educational and enjoyable. It gave us a new perspective on President Clinton’s legacy on American history.

A Trip to the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts

Saara Maknojia

Walking through a stunning collection of artworks at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) was the perfect way to spend our afternoon.

Olivia and I were particularly excited to see the new Art Nouveau exhibit, so we headed straight for it upon arrival.

We were greeted with a beautifully curated selection of vases, jewelry, woodwork, and glass sculptures from the 19th century. What stood out to me the most was the Tiffany & Co. collection, renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship and iconic designs. The intricate detail and elegance of the pieces left a lasting impression.

Since this was our first time at an art museum together, we took the opportunity to share our thoughts on various artworks. As we walked through the galleries, passing by pieces from prominent artists like Gustav Klimt, Pablo Picasso, Claude Monet, and Diego Rivera, we discussed our interpretations of what each artist intended to convey, and we watched others contemplating similar questions.

It was stimulating to exchange perspectives and delve into the emotions and possible stories behind these pieces.

One painting that captivated us both was Homage to Alberti by Terrance Corbin. We found ourselves returning to it multiple times. The artwork’s focus on landscape, combined with its use of geometric shapes and lines to create illusions of depth, was intriguing. Although abstract landscapes aren’t typically my preferred style, this particular piece drew me in with its complexity and the many ways it could be interpreted, making it one of my favorites from the museum.

Olivia, on the other hand, was fascinated by Pierre-Auguste Renoir’s Three Partridges, an impressionist work that spoke to her appreciation for soft brushwork and natural themes in art.

We ended our visit on an unexpected yet delightful note. David Warren, the Chair of the museum’s art school, graciously gave us a spontaneous tour of the art studio and pottery workshop. His warm hospitality reminded us of the spirit of the Arkansas Traveler—welcoming, generous, and always eager to share his knowledge and passion for art.

It was a fitting end to a day spent appreciating the beauty and culture on display at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, and we left feeling both inspired and grateful for the experience.

Bound to Books: The Six Bridges Book Festival Kickoff

Owing to some difficulty with our schedule and the timing of the Texas Book Festival, we looked to Little Rock and the Six Bridges Book Festival–and we are glad we did! The Six Bridges Book Festival takes place over a longer period than the Texas Book Festival, and it is smaller. This, as we found out tonight, allowed for a more intimate and personal experience.

The Festival’s kickoff offered some finger foods and snacks; a photo booth, which was much fun; authors on hand, mixing with the crowds; karaoke; and, of course, books for sale.

We began by scouting the facility, the “Ron Robinson Theatre,” part of the Central Arkansas Library System (and the organizer of the festival). The two-story venue was attractive, with a particularly appealing theatre, which was hosting the karaoke. A talented set of spectators took turns at the microphone, and we enjoyed a few songs, before moving on to the next activity.

The next activity included the photo booth, which allowed us to continue the theme of money, one established during our tour of the Arkansas Treasury. Saara grabbed some Benjamins, a money bag, but drew the line at wearing a dollar-sign fishing hat.

We enjoyed the book selection, and we purchased a few before the authors’ supplies were fully depleted. We also played “spot-the-artist,” and we are pretty sure that we “saw” far more authors than were actually there.

But the event whetted our appetite for the next day’s sessions, when we would see Eli Cranor (“You Don’t Know Tough”), Boyce Upholt (“The Great River”), Garrard Conley (“Boy Erased”), Samuel Freedman (“Into the Bright Sunshine: Young Hubert Humphrey and the Fight for Civil Rights”), Randall Woods (“John Quincy Adams: A Man for the Whole People”), John Vercher (“Devil is Fine”), Brian Fairbanks (Willie, Waylon, and the Boys”), and Lana Williams, the latter of whom is a gardener and owner of Tender Gardener.

Wrapping Up

With small pangs of hunger reminding us to eat a full meal, we decided to visit Sterling Market. The restaurant might have been a Lana Wiliams fan, inasmuch as they emphasized ingredients from local farmers. The food was wonderful, and we can publicly vouch for the ricotta dip, the bearnaise sauce, the smoked chicken sandwich, and the mushrooms and dumplings.

It was another nice ending to our ongoing Arkansas adventure, meeting friendly locals, Arkansas authors, and experimenting with some wonderful Arkansas food!

From Tacos to T-Bills: A Day at the TTF

One on One with Janet Yellen

by Maggie Betancourt 

Have you ever noticed that little signature on the dollar bill? Well, the next time you do, you will see the signature of one of the most powerful women in the world: Secretary of Treasury, Janet Yellen. Known for being the first woman to be both U.S. Secretary of Treasury and Chair of the Federal Reserve Bank, Secretary Yellen, along with moderator Jake Gura, shared some of her insights with us in the first session of the day.

While hearing straight from the nation’s treasurer that our financial state is “stable and healthy,” the interviewer didn’t shy away from hard-hitting questions that many citizens are concerned about.

On the topic of the inflation crisis, Secretary Yellen highlighted some contributing factors, which, she said, are mostly due to changes in our society.

She spoke on COVID-19, explaining that because people were not spending money during lockdown, the government increased spending to stabilize the economy. This infusion of money into the economy, along with shortages in key areas (e.g., chips), led to inflation, but Secretary Yellen expressed her confidence that inflation rates will drop significantly as the economy continues to stabilize. 

The conversation pivoted to Secretary Yellen’s role in foreign affairs, specifically the United States economic relations with China. With many Americans being weary of having relations with China, Secretary Yellen’s point of view on international affairs left the audience with a sense of optimism. She stressed that foreign alliances are critical so that a nation can make positive relationships with countries that will solve many worldwide issues.

The conversation ended after Secretary Yellen expressed her admiration for the United States Treasury Department’s workforce, and she acknowledged their dedication to the American people.  

AI and All of Us

by Saara Maknojia

Is artificial intelligence a magical tool that answers all of our questions? Or is it a major threat to the human race? To learn more about this hot topic, Olivia and I attended the panel discussion at the Texas Tribune Festival. The panel, led by Sonal Shah, Texas Tribune CEO, also included: Chris Hyams, Indeed CEO; Armando Walle, Texas State Representative; and Dr. Alondra Nelson.

Dr. Alondra Nelson provided a short response when defining exactly what artificial intelligence is, “artificial intelligence is not magic; it is a machine-based system that uses data which makes inferences from which it generates outputs,” confirming that the revolutionized technological advancements are far from what most individuals consider humanlike. In fact, the panelists unanimously agreed artificial intelligence applications are flawed in many ways.

Job seekers frequently utilize websites such as Indeed; however, many unregulated websites of this kind often limit the users’ ability to find jobs. Chris Hyams addressed referred to this issue as “biases and barriers,” which creates limitations to individuals searching for new opportunities. Biases and barriers pertain, largely, to unregulated artificial intelligence applications that filter the names of job applicants to employers.

State and federal governments have been concerned with artificial intelligence and its impact on citizens safety and privacy. Currently, Colorado is the only state that has established laws relating to artificial intelligence. This may create problems, according to Representative Walle, who advocated for federal laws to regulate artificial intelligence in the United States, rather than state laws.

As young adults, we are very reliant on artificial intelligence but we don’t always understand the potential shortcomings and limitations of the technology. Reflecting on the discussions at the session, I have realized the impacts of artificial intelligence on society, whether it is for a private company or on policymaking decisions. Privacy, accurate information and a fallback system for artificial intelligence are factors to be considered for the future of AI.

The Corrections Crisis

by Katherine Burnett

With much anticipation, Caitlin, Chrissy, Cinthia, Maggie, Michelle, and I headed up to the 8th floor to learn about the corrections crisis with Jennifer Doleac, Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice at Arnold Ventures; Matthew Charles, Senior Policy Adviser at Families Against Mandatory Minimums; Andy Potter, Founder and Executive Director of One Voice United; and Eric Higgins, Sheriff of Pulaski County in Arkansas. The four discussed understaffing, overcrowding, and other issues in contemporary prisons.

As Matthew Charles put it, correctional officers are “overworked and undervalued,” creating dangerous and hostile work environments for correctional officers and inmates alike.

When asked about possible solutions to the issues at hand, Jennifer Doleac shared a new experiment she is conducting in counties across the U.S. involving Scandinavian rehabilitation practices. Eric Higgins supported Doleac’s plan, mentioning his recent Netflix Documentary where he allowed the prisoners within his facility to be completely unlocked from their cells without any supervision.

Higgins shared that today, the unit is still unlocked and successful. Also, that his facility has a 5% recidivism rate!

The speakers ended the session by assuring watchers that they, and many others, will continue to look for a solution that will guarantee the safety and health of not just workers, but detainees as well.

Recording of the “On With Kara Swisher” Podcast – Nancy Pelosi

by Caitlin Nortonen

This afternoon, Saara, Cinthia, Maggie, Katherine, and I had a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Kara Swisher’s podcast live as she interviewed the first woman House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi.

Speaker Pelosi was asked her thoughts on the upcoming presidential debate this Tuesday; she shared with us that she was hopeful, and that the American people deserve this debate.

When asked about any advice she may have for Vice President Kamala Harris, Speaker Pelosi stated that she should deliver a message that is bold, be herself, and show why the American people should vote for her. When asked the same question about former President Donald Trump, she questioned if he will even show up to the debate. When the crowd reacted, Speaker Pelosi stated, “I know cowardice when I see it.”

Speaker Pelosi shared her worries about what she believes will happen if former President Trump wins the election.

Further, she expressed her concern for Project 25, specifically mentioning that if it passes, overtime and the Department of Education will be abolished.

Hearing Speaker Pelosi speak about the upcoming election made me more interested in seeing the outcome. Having the opportunity to see Speaker Pelosi this afternoon was truly a great experience, considering I am originally from the county she once represented!

Arrested Developments

by Michelle Moya

After an indulgent meal, we headed to the Arrested Development panel at the Texas Tribune Festival. It focused on crime clearance rates and the challenges around them. It featured an impressive lineup of speakers: Jennifer Doleac, Executive Vice President of Criminal Justice; John Skaggs, a retired homicide detective; and Quintin Williams, who leads gun violence prevention and justice reform programs.

I was particularly looking forward to this panel because of Homicide Detective Skagg’s participation, whose insights were both eye-opening and encouraging as a student considering becoming a homicide detective herself.

The panel reinforced the importance of continuous learning and adaptation in law enforcement; they stated that crime-fighting techniques and tools must change to help with the current arrest rates. They discussed numerous challenges that contribute to this low rate, including funding, structural issues, and policy issues like guns. Further, they stressed that the dynamic nature of the investigative profession is both hard and exhilarating, with limitless prospects for advancement and meaningful change.

John Skaggs emphasized the emotional and physical challenges of being a detective, highlighting the significance of perseverance and dedication in the profession. My biggest lesson was that the detective’s work entails more than just obtaining evidence; it also includes piecing together the story behind the murder, caring for the victim families, and protecting witnesses.

When it came time for questions, Chrissy asked the panel about the growing use of ALPRs and if they have made an impact in making arrests. Jennifer Doleac first answered by stating that there has not been much research on the topic, making it hard to give a definitive answer.

Nevertheless, John Skaggs noted that in the cities he had traveled to with the presence of LPRs, the police department had a higher chance of making correct arrests.

Attending this session was a highlight of the festival for me. It confirmed my desire to work in criminal justice and provided vital insights that I will apply to my education and future job. As the last day of the festival, it captured the heart of our learning journey: blending academic ideas with real-world applications.

I left the panel with a renewed appreciation for those who work persistently to promote justice and safety in our communities. I was even able to chat with Detective Skaggs briefly and take a picture!

Texas Monthly Presents: A Taco Happy Hour

by Cinthia Villarreal

What other way to finish our day and educational adventure at the Texas Tribune Festival than to taco about food with James Beard Winners?

To do so, we had the honor to hear from Iliana De la Vega, chef and owner of El Naranjo, rated as one of the top restaurants in Austin; Ana Liz Pulido, whose taqueria we were exposed to a couple of months ago; Jose Ralat, food journalist for the Texas Monthly magazine; and Kimya Kavenhar, senior editor of Texas Monthly who served as moderator.

Prompted to talk about their approach to innovation and dedication, Ana Liz described her devotion to the flavor and presentation of her dishes by grilling the fajita outside of the restaurant to have a strong smoky flavor and the purchase of a Molino in which they make their own, fresh corn (white and blue) tortillas.

She expressed her gratitude for the changing minds who accept her distinct presentations and excitement for other restaurants who were following in her footsteps of having their own grinders and Molinos. Mrs. De La Vega described Nixtamalization’s tedious yet rewarding process, a traditional Mesoamerican process of cooking corn in an alkaline solution to make the corn kernels more nutritional and flavorful.

A major subject in the discussion was the difference between Mexican and Tex-Mex food, mentioning that the spices used and the region where it is cooked, have a huge influence on the dishes display. Mr. Ralat and Ms. Kavenhkar described their unanimous decision to ban “authentic” from their articles, describing how vague and misleading it can be, especially with Mexican dishes, which are specific to the culinary region. Throughout different questions, the chefs described their dedication to staying sincere with themselves, their creativity, and sometimes stubbornness.

Being of Mexican origin and having a very biased appreciation for Mexican food, I was thrilled to learn about the changing attitude toward Mexican cuisine.

The acceptance and respect for Mexican and Tex-Mex dishes have come a long way, and we can only thank the trailblazers who have brought awareness and innovation to their kitchens and articles to change multigenerational ideas.

Art, Asheville, and Afterglow

by Olivia Discon

Following a full day of driving, a visit to “Chihuly at Biltmore” and the Biltmore Estate, we still found time to visit the Asheville Art Museum, which offers a diverse and interesting collection. Our visit to this Museum was our last activity on the last day of our trip, and it served as a pleasant, relaxing way to reflect on an enjoyable seven days of learning, networking, and fun.

Our visit began with a surprise: a piece by Maya Lin, who rose to fame after designing the Vietnam War Memorial. Intriguingly, on our trip to DC, we met Ms. Lin!

We never would have guessed that this piece in the Asheville Museum, a minimalist depiction of the French Broad River, lined with steel pins, was her work! It was exciting to see her style in a different form.

Continuing, we explored a contemporary take on an art salon filled with unique, disturbing, and thought-provoking works. Many of these artists attended the same school as Andy Warhol, and their deviation from the norm was clear. The pieces really challenged our notion of art.

One of my favorite pieces was Andrew Wyeth’s mold of his hands, paired with a painting of the very same hands in a snowy landscape. It was simple yet so detailed and personal.

Another favorite was “Dominion” by Bo Bartlett. This painting immediately grabbed our attention with its vivid portrayal of a polar bear. The clearly disturbed animal atop a melting icecap was visibly wounded. The bear’s demeanor made us pontificate about the tragic backstory. Whether it be a commentary on climate change, or the aftermath of sublime nature taking its toll, the piece was striking and moving all the same.

And of course, Chrissy couldn’t help but be intrigued by a photograph of the Highland Hospital, where Zelda Fitzgerald, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s wife, died in a fire. Chrissy has a bit of a thing for death-related themes in art, so this piece was right up her (dead-end) alley!

And it was also just one of several pieces with a literary theme…

They also had an impressive glass collection, including works by Harvey Littleton and his son, John.

They also had an impressive photography exhibit on display, and these photos were alternately provocative and beautiful.

After exploring the museum, we thoroughly enjoyed immersing ourselves in the vibrant and trending city of Asheville. From the eclectic art scene to the lively streets, Asheville offered a perfect mix of culture and excitement that made our visit unforgettable.

Light and Glass, Mansions and Class

by Chrissy Biello

Chihuly at Biltmore

After an eventful night at the State Dinner, we drove about four and a half hours to Asheville, North Carolina, to enjoy Chihuly at the Biltmore and the Biltmore Estate itself. As someone recently introduced to Dale Chihuly, I was excited to see more of his work and learn about the techniques he used.

When we entered the exhibit, we first went to a screening room where we learned more about Chihuly and his work. The video explained the creation of one of his most famous works, “Mille Fiori;” it showed various colors, shapes, and glass configurations. It also clarified Chihuly’s techniques, like heating the glass so it can be stretched to look like natural forms. We even learned that around 40-50 different colors of glass are used in his pieces!

However, one room with colorful and intricate cylinders caught our attention. While we spoke about the artwork, a staff member shared how these pieces were created. Each cylinder features a design inspired by Navajo patterns, with molten glass rolled over threads of these designs so they fuse onto the glass.

We also saw a wall with Western Trade Blankets that had similar designs. The staff member explained that Chihuly wanted to pay tribute to the influence of Native cultures on his art and show his respect for Indigenous tribes of North America.

We then walked into the next room and immediately started looking up. This was the Persian Ceiling, an art installation featuring a colorful display of hand-blown glass pieces arranged on a transparent ceiling, creating an eye-catching mix of colors and shadows. We enjoyed trying to spot more of the intricate details that comprised this work; sitting at 5000 pounds, there was plenty to look at. We spotted cherubs, shrimps, conch shells, and more!

Next, we saw an impressive display of chandeliers and towers. These were not your typical light fixtures; instead of emitting light, they ingeniously reflected it.

Each piece was so captivating that I found myself wishing I could take them all home.

It was hard to choose a favorite, but I was particularly drawn to the striking blue chandelier and the red one that seemed to float effortlessly from the ceiling.

With much anticipation from myself, we went into the room with the Mille Fiori exhibit; it was incredible to have the chance to see it in person! As you walked around all of the pieces, each one was different in its own way. While some had similar styles, they always had different colors and overall appeals towards them.

Having seen his work at the Phipps Conservatory in Pittsburgh earlier on the trip, I was thrilled to find another chance to enjoy his art. Now, I look forward to recognizing more of Dale Chihuly’s pieces in the future!

Biltmore Estate

After exploring the Chihuly exhibit, we took the trolley for a 3-mile scenic ride through the Biltmore grounds and to the Estate. Completed in 1895, this impressive house was designed by Richard Morris Hunt for George Vanderbilt II. As we made our way to the mansion, we admired the beautiful landscape created by Frederick Law Olmsted. His winding paths built up our excitement, making that first glimpse of the house even more special.

Stepping inside, I was immediately drawn to the Winter Garden with its lush greenery and a beautiful dome letting in streams of light. It was then I knew we were in for a treat exploring Biltmore House.

Our tour took us through a series of fascinating rooms. The Billiard Room, Michelle’s favorite, featured two grand pool tables where George and his guests would unwind by playing games.

The Banquet Hall, stretching seven stories high, left us imagining the dinners once held there. I could not dream of having a normal family dinner in a dining room such as this one!

In the Breakfast Room, Olivia pointed out several notable paintings. There were two by John Singer Sargent: one of Virginia Bacon (George’s cousin) and another of Mrs. Benjamin Kissam (George’s aunt). She also pointed out two works by Renoir: “Young Algerian Girl” and “Child with an Orange.”

The Salon displayed souvenirs from George’s travels, including landscape paintings by Claude Monet.

Looking out the windows, we could appreciate how Olmsted had transformed the estate’s grounds, creating a perfect backdrop for the house.

Further, we discovered an intriguing piece of history about the Music Room. In 1942, during World War II, the Director of the National Gallery of Art reached out to Edith Vanderbilt with a request; they asked if Biltmore could safeguard over 80 valuable paintings from their collection. Edith agreed, and the Music Room was transformed into a secret art vault. Protected by large steel doors, these priceless works remained hidden there until 1944!

With its exquisite ceiling painting of the Chariot of Aurora and an impressive collection of over 10,000 books from George’s original collection of about 24,000, the Library was Olivia’s favorite.

A large ladder and spiral staircase made each of us wish we could go on them! It was clear to all of us that Olivia could have spent hours exploring all of the books that George Vanderbilt once read.

As we continued our tour, we heard about the family’s dedication to preserving the estate. After George’s death, his wife Edith refused to sell anything, and their daughter Cornelia later opened the home to visitors in 1930 with help from the local Chamber of Commerce. This dedication was evident from the house looking the same way as it did when the family lived there.

Additionally, the cohesive bedrooms with intricate details and colors, along with the basement filled with drawings by Cornelia and her husband, helped us imagine what life was like for the Vanderbilt family.

Unique features like the bowling alley and indoor pool showed how much they valued having activities at home that brought them together with family and friends.

Wrapping up our visit, I gained a new appreciation for how art can transform a space. Though I had not been too involved with art in the past, my interest has grown, and this home truly helped with that. Also, I am sure Olivia will continue to think about the Library for many years to come!

A Roaring State Dinner

For our last night at the Greenbrier, we stepped back in time to the roaring 1920s for an unforgettable State Dinner. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere transported us straight into the vibrant spirit of the Jazz Age. Most guests embraced the theme wholeheartedly, arriving in flapper dresses, tailored suits, and dapper accessories. We, of course, could not let this opportunity pass and decided to go all out.

The venue itself was transformed into a scene straight out of a classic 1920s party. At the heart of the room hung a dazzling disco ball that casted playful reflections across the venue. The tables were adorned with centerpieces featuring cascading feathers, capturing the essence of the era. We were all highly impressed of the attention to detail in the decorations as it was nothing short of spectacular.

One of the evening’s standout moments was the grand presentation of the state flags, representing each southern state. The Greenbrier High School ROTC marched each of the 15 flags to the stage, accompanied by their respective songs.

The crowd’s enthusiasm was palpable, with cheers and applause resonating throughout the room as each flag made its way across the room.

As dinner was served, we were presented with a mix of greens with feta cheese and a slice of pear. As for our entrees, meticulously place mashed potatoes adorned the plate next to a sirloin cooked to perfection on top of a handful of asparagus. While we ate, the West Virginia Symphony serenaded the guests with the sounds of beautiful music…

…before giving way to an awards ceremony emceed by West Virginia’s very own Senate President, Craig Blair.

The Carter Hellard Award, which recognizes dedicated staff members across the southern states, was awarded to Thomas L. Tyler, Sr, who has devoted decades of his life to serve the Louisiana Senate.

Arkansas’s Speaker of the House, Matthew J. Shepherd was also recognized as he received the Thomas B. Murphy Legacy Award, which is presented to a Southern state legislator who has dutifully served their people throughout the year.

The State Transformation in Action Recognition (STAR) celebrates innovation and creativity by recognizing programs that offer transferable solutions to state governments. The North Carolina Department of Public Instruction won the award by presenting its Elementary and Secondary Schools Emergency Relief (ESSER) Funding Cliff Toolkit.

President Blair ended the night by thanking the Council of State Governments Southern team, specifically Director Lindsey Gray. He acknowledged their exceptional dedication and tireless efforts throughout the conference and noted how their commitment played a crucial role in the conference’s success. And, of course, Senator Blair was given an award for his leadership over the past year.

After the awards, the evening continued at the “speakeasy,” where the atmosphere shifted to an intimate jazz lounge.

A live jazz band performed, their smooth melodies filling the room with the soulful sounds of the 1920s.

Couples took to the dance floor, gracefully moving to the rhythms of the era, creating an enchanting and entertaining atmosphere.

Michelle and I joined in, stepping onto the captivating jazz tunes. It was a delightful way to end the night and our visit to the Greenbrier.

The fantastic blend of retro charm and joyous celebration gave an experience that made us feel like we were truly living in the Roaring Twenties.

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