The University of North Texas (UNT) is celebrating the 120th season of the Mary Jo & V. Lane Rawlins Fine Arts Series, continuing its long-standing tradition of presenting diverse artistic experiences to both the UNT campus and the greater Denton community. Originally established in 1903 as the Lyceum Series, this series has evolved over the decades while maintaining its mission to educate, entertain, and enrich through the arts.
According to Stephanie Spyker, the series coordinator, the Fine Arts Series aims to balance entertainment with education by presenting a variety of art forms including visual arts, poetry, classical music, and dance. The series is curated by a committee of UNT faculty, staff, and students who select performances that nurture the creative culture of UNT and Denton.
This season features a diverse lineup including New York Times bestselling author Lauren Groff, who will present an author lecture on November 7 at the Union Lyceum. Groff’s lecture is sponsored by the Department of English and Department of History and will be followed by a Q&A and book signing of her latest work, “The Vaster Wilds.”
Furthermore, the series will host a celebrated dance company in the spring for performances and masterclasses. Discussions are also underway for a final spring collaboration with the Distinguished Lecture Series.
Notably, events remain free for UNT students, emphasizing the series’ commitment to accessible artistic experiences. Over the years, notable events have included performances and lectures by artists and thinkers such as the Architects of Air Luminarium, Jazz at the Lincoln Center Orchestra, comedian Nathan Fielder, and musician Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast.
The Fine Arts Series, part of UNT’s Division of Student Affairs, has played a significant role in bringing world-class cultural experiences to UNT’s campus, fostering an appreciation for the arts within the student body and the larger Denton community. Students are vital to the series’ success, making up half of the Fine Arts Series committee.