Laura Evans

Laura Evans is an Associate Professor of Art Education and Director of the Art Museum Education Certificate Program at the University of North Texas' College of Visual Arts and Design. Recognized as a Distinguished Teaching Professor and recipient of the Provost’s OLLI at UNT Faculty Award, she specializes in museum pedagogy and art crime research.

Her research explores art crime (thefts, forgeries, vandalism), museum visitor experiences, and humanistic approaches to art interpretation. She investigates how museums evolve from being 'about something' to 'for somebody' through meaningful engagement strategies.

Evans authored the globally published The Atlas of Art Crime (2024), analyzing 75 international cases across theft, forgery and vandalism. The book examines motivations ranging from greed to social justice, featuring historical and contemporary cases from Picasso's Guernica to Chinese antiquities trafficking.

Awards & Honors:

• Distinguished Teaching Professor (UNT)
• Provost’s OLLI at UNT Faculty Award

She directs the Art Museum Education Certificate Program and has conducted professional trainings at institutions including the Kimbell Museum and Getty Museum. Evans leads international art crime study tours across Europe.