The Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series at the University of Michigan

The Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series brings respected leaders and innovators from a broad spectrum of creative fields to the historic Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor. Events take place Thursdays at 5:30 PM unless otherwise noted, and are free, non-ticketed, and open to the public.

In partnership with Detroit Public Television and PBS Books, each week’s events will be released online the following Friday at 8pm on this page, and on the Penny Stamps Series Facebook page for on-demand viewing. Some programs may not be available online, depending on artist requests.

Watch Past Penny Stamps Episodes


Sonya Clark | We Are Each Other

Live Event Thursday, September 21, 5:30 PM
Streaming Friday, September 29, 8 PM

Chris Van Allsburg | His Final Presentation

Live Event Thursday, October 12, 5:30 PM
Streaming Friday, October 20, 8 PM

Refik Anadol | AI with a Thinking Brush

Live Event Thursday, October 19, 5:30 PM
Streaming Friday, October 27, 8 PM

Cannupa Hanska Luger | How Do We Remember?

Live Event Thursday, October 26, 5:30 PM
Streaming Friday, November 3, 8 PM


About the Penny Stamps Distinguished Speaker Series

Established with the generous support of alumna Penny W. Stamps (1944−2018), the Penny Stamps Speaker Series brings respected leaders and innovators from a broad spectrum of creative fields to Ann Arbor to conduct weekly public lectures and engagements.

Design professional, arts advocate, philanthropist, and friend Penny W. Stamps dedicated herself to elevating opportunities for the culture-makers of tomorrow. In 2012, the U‑M Board of Regents named the School of Art & Design in her honor, creating the Penny W. Stamps School of Art & Design at the University of Michigan. The Stamps Gallery and Stamps Creative Work Awards are also named in her honor.

Learn more about the Penny Stamps Series