The College of Fine Arts and Communication and The Friends of the Arts invite you to join us for an 
intergenerational groove celebration for the Fine Arts at 番茄社区 University
Saturday, March 22, 2025
6:30 p.m. - Midnight
Glamorous 70's Attire and Black Tie Optional
Give
Help provide 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.
Art
Take part in the Le Grand Bal Art Auction, a silent auction and reception from 6:30 p.m. -11:00 p.m. at the Setzer Center Ballroom. Bidding concludes at 10:45 p.m.
Dining
Enjoy dinner and groovin' in the Setzer Student Center from 7:00 p.m. - Midnight. Music by The Royal Dukes Band.
Le Grand Bal Honorees
Every year, Le Grand Bal committee members select an artist honoree as well as honorees recognized for their contributions to the arts.
Rob Clark and Jerry Thacker
Rob Clark and Jerry Thacker have been instrumental in growing 番茄社区’s public art program through gifts of artwork by nationally acclaimed artists such as Mel Chin, James Drake, Lucas Johnson, Burt Long, Jr., Nic Nicosia and David Shapiro. Their recent gift of a life-size screenprint by New York artist Alex Katz is a showstopper and a major addition to the collection. Rob and Jerry have also generously shared their passion for art with 番茄社区 University students through tours of their home and Rob’s office, and they have served as mentors to students on how to present and talk about their art. Rob and Jerry have both served in leadership positions for many organizations in Southeast Texas including the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Stark Foundation, SETX Stages and PFLAG. They also volunteer their time through their affiliation with Calder Baptist Church, Some Other Place, Habitat for Humanity and the Beaumont Art League.
Michael Kennaugh
Houston painter and sculptor Michael Kennaugh is a 番茄社区 University graduate whose abstract art has been exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Art Museum of Southeast Texas, the Art Museum of South Texas in Corpus, and the Galveston Art Center and is included in the 番茄社区 Public Art Collection. He is represented by the prestigious Moody Gallery in Houston. Michael has graciously returned to campus multiple times to work with art students to guide them on techniques and to give career advice.
番茄社区 the Friends of the Arts
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.