University of North Texas 
Li’l D, Big Fun
UNT alumni help create one of Denton’s favorite Halloween activities.
October 5, 2026
Diorama model of Dark Age Tattoo
In October, Denton transforms itself into a whole different place.
It gets spookier — and tinier.
It becomes Halloweentown, with numerous events and decorations celebrating the holiday that have earned Denton the title of Halloween Capital of Texas. Several UNT alumni conjure up the spirit by helping to create a miniature-sized downtown Denton square called Little Lil' D: A Haunted Denton Diorama, which envisions the downtown square in both past/Western-themed motifs and post-apocalypse/future images. Spearheaded by the Denton Diorama Collective, it will be on display for the entire month of October at the UNT CoLab, 207 North Elm St.
Learn more about UNT alumni working on the Denton Diorama project:
Check out these other activities around Halloweentown:
- Denton Halloween is the hub for the city’s events, including a Big Top Tent.
- Starting Oct. 2, the UNT CoLab will host three exhibitions during the month — The Legend of Eppy and Other Artifacts of Lore from UNT’s Special Collections, Creature Feature and Little Lil' D: A Haunted Denton Diorama. The reception for the diorama is from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 15.
- The CoLab will also participate in Mannequin Night, an event sponsored by the Greater Denton Arts Council with the theme of Classic Halloween Movies, from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 10.
- Artist Bryan Kelly (’08) will visit the UNT CoLab to teach how to draw creatures at the Monster Mashup from 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 16.
- UNT’s School of Philosophical and Historical Inquiry will bring medieval ghost stories from 7 to 9 p.m. Oct. 20 at Harvest House.
- The 3rd Annual Nightmare on Elm Street Basketball Tip-Off, featuring the Mean Green men’s and women’s basketball teams, occurs at 7 p.m. Oct. 21 at the Denton Downtown Square.
- The Day of the Dead Festival, founded by alum David J. Anzaldúa Pierce (’97), takes place Oct. 22-24.
- The College of Music will present the silent movie The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari, with improvisational organist Todd Wilson, at 8 p.m. Oct. 27 at the Murchison Performing Arts Center. The event includes a lecture, costume contest and snacks.
- The Second Stage series will present Dracula 29-Nov. 1 at the Studio Theatre in the Radio, Television and Film Building.
Cynthia Foster (’07)
The applied behavior analysis graduate alumna is vice president of human resources
for Safran Seats USA and co-owner of Top Secret Rehearsal Studios and Guitar Repair.
For the diorama, she’s working on JT Clothiers, sidewalks, landscaping and the building
formerly known as Discover Denton — with a surprise feature.
What she loves about it:
What she loves about it:
“Everything! From brainstorming concepts, to working weekly with other artsy people, the ability to suggest funny additions and see them printed, and then, of course, to see other people enjoy it and have a laugh at the end of the project.”
Shadan Kishi Price (’08, ’13)
Price, who earned bachelor’s degrees in visual arts studies and hospitality management,
is the author of Cookbook Club: Plant-Based Recipes for Entertaining. She helped create miniatures of Dark Age Tattoo, Recycled Books and Bearded Monk.
What she loves about it:
What she loves about it:
“The Denton Diorama Collective is full of fun, kind and creative people, which means it’s always a great time when we get together. We all support each other and are always helping each other with ideas or fixes if we feel stuck on a project. The diorama project is great for artists because you have a general idea of what needs to get done, but otherwise it’s totally open to your artistic interpretation.”
Jennie Halcomb (’10)
The communications graduate is director of program management at Prosigliere. She
worked on the western Norman Roscoe building for the diorama after seeing her friends
create the project last year.
What she loves about it:
What she loves about it:
“Even though I’ve been living in Austin for the past decade, I made the trip up last year to see the final build. Seeing it in all its glory gave me major FOMO! I love making things in general — painting, crafting, embroidery, costume making — you name it! Getting to work on this diorama was a dream because Denton will always feel special to me, and I really cherish the time I spent here. Reimagining a piece of the square was a blast, especially since it's such an iconic, familiar part of town. Plus, I'm completely obsessed with Halloween, so getting to contribute to the local festivities was the ultimate bonus.”