by Olivia Discon
As a LEAP Ambassador, you’re not expected to be an art expert—or even an enthusiast. But after visiting dozens of museums through the program, it’s only natural that some of us become fans… or critics. I’ve now been to 75 museums with LEAP. Before joining, I’d only ever visited one. Among all those experiences, one name has stood out again and again: James Surls. Of those many wonderful educational experiences, James Surls is a name I had come to frequent more than most.
Surls is something of a household name in LEAP. As a distinguished alum of Sam Houston State University and a prominent figure in Huntsville, his work has served as many students’ first introduction to art—including mine.
So when we heard about the opening reception for the Surls + Locke Museum and the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit, we knew it was something we couldn’t pass up!
After being shuttled to the 40-acre property, we went to Surls’ studio, which had been transformed into an event hall for the afternoon. Inside, towering sculptures filled the space, and even the live musicians were performing among the artworks on stage.
We spent a long time taking in the ambiance, discussing which pieces were our favorite. Moya and McCaughan were especially drawn to the work of Charmaine Locke, Surls’ wife and an artist in her own right.
Inspired by the natural world, Surls uses both medium and or composition to emulate life. This presents itself in various ways, but he’s most known for his sculptures that resemble flowers or plants, his eye motif, and sometimes, a combination of the two!
His work stands out not just visually, but intellectually.
While I didn’t initially grasp the depth of his pieces, I’ve come to appreciate their layered meanings over time.
As one article (written by my professor) quotes Surls:
“Right then and there, I drank from the well of true belief in something far greater than myself. I got the calling for my life, and I answered the call with a resounding ‘Yes, I will do it.’”
That sense of purpose resonates with me—and with LEAP as a whole. It reminds me of why we serve and why we learn.
We later walked through the Gift from the Bower exhibit, which featured a series of outdoor installations on its final day.
We spent a lot of time here, discussing meaning, appreciating how the pieces interacted with the environment, and—for Chrissy—getting eaten alive by bugs.
I personally enjoyed Sonic Overlook by Patrick Renner…
and Chrissy liked Learning to Fly by Sherry Owens and Art Shirer.
We had the opportunity to meet Surls himself and have him sign photos we took of his work at the Gaertner Performing Arts Center. It was an honor to meet the artist behind the incredible work that so many LEAP students have enjoyed over the years, and it’s an experience I will cherish for a long time.
Victoria McClendon-Leggett, former LEAP President, also had the opportunity to meet Surls.
As for the Heard of G.O.A.T.S. exhibit itself, the gallery was filled with other famous names. John Alexander…
Lynn Randolph…
and Bill Haveron…
Michelle took a liking to a piece called His and Hers Red Nest by James Drake. She found that the nests looked like angel wings and fittingly posed for a photo upon discovery.
Chrissy, on the other hand, enjoyed a much moodier scene, Siddhartha by Carlos Canul.
Interestingly enough, the Terry Allen sculpture was on display on the outdoor patio. Titled Bust, the piece depicts a man in a suit that is blowing against an imaginary force of wind. Like all of his pieces, this was thought provoking and visually interesting. It’s no surprise that this bust is courtesy of the Surls + Locke Museum’s collection!
In all, this was an experience that reminds you why LEAP exists—to open minds, spark curiosity, and connect students to opportunities and perspectives they might not have encountered otherwise. It was an incredibly memorable experience, and one I will always be grateful for.
Center for Law, Engagement, and Politics 