A psychedelic celebration of the Beatles supporting LU fine arts programs
in honor of
Patti and Floyd McSpadden
&
Featuring
Artist Betsy Burleson Hines
Our annual Le Grand Bal fundraiser provides students of the College of Fine Arts and Communication with much-needed funds for scholarships, conferences, teaching tools, competitions, master classes, work-study and recruitment efforts
Take part in the Art Gallery Auction
from 6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m
Preview art at the Dishman Museum
March 21-25
Enjoy dinner and dancing in the Setzer Student Center from 7:00 p.m. - Midnight. Be sure to wear your psychedelic chic or classic Beatles attire!
Every year, Le Grand Bal committee members select an artist honoree as well as honorees recognized for their contributions to the arts.
Floyd and Patti have been long-time members of the Friends of the Arts board, past chairs of Le Grand Bal, contributors to Pairings and La Dolce Vita, founding members of Lamarissimo! and supporters of LU-llaby on Broadway. Floyd was Director of Planned Giving at Lamar until 2019 and a past president of the LU Foundation. He and Patti have made invaluable contributions to the arts at Lamar and throughout Southeast Texas.
Our artist honoree for the event is Dr. Betsy Burleson Hines. Betsy is a beloved musician in Southeast Texas who taught piano at the Mary Morgan Moore Department of Music at Lamar for 28 years. She performed with the Symphony of Southeast Texas for 40 years and has showcased her skills on the piano at numerous events throughout the community.
Established in 1973, the Friends of the Arts staged its first ball in 1975. Activities, décor and entertainment are designed to reflect the talents of LU art, theater, music and dance faculty and students. Since 1975, the event has raised more than $3- million dollars for the College of Fine Arts and Communication. These funds enable the Friends of the Arts to contribute to scholarships and educational enhancements such as master classes, visiting artists and trips to clinics and workshops that expand learning opportunities for students and add to faculty members’ academic credentials.