Art Crime Uncovered: A Conversation with Laura Evans and Robert Wittman

Join the Biggs Museum of American Art for a fascinating evening exploring the world of art crime through the perspectives of two leading experts in the field.

Laura Evans, Distinguished Teaching Professor at the University of North Texas, is an art crime historian who teaches, writes, and lectures internationally on art crime, art interpretation, and the role of museums in protecting cultural heritage. Her talks often explore stories of art theft, forgery, and vandalism, connecting global patterns of art crime to regional histories and audiences. Her international lecture experiences inspired her book The Atlas of Art Crime, which maps the stories and patterns behind crimes involving cultural objects.

Evans will be joined in conversation by Robert Wittman, former FBI Special Agent and founder of the FBI’s National Art Crime Team. During his career, Wittman led undercover investigations that helped recover more than $300 million in stolen art and cultural property, making him one of the world’s most recognized authorities on art crime recovery.
Together, Evans and Wittman will share insights into the complex world of stolen masterpieces, forged works, and cultural heritage crimes, offering both historical context and first-hand accounts from the field.

Program: 5:30–7:00 PM
Book Signing: 7:00–7:45 PM
This program will take place at the Schwartz Center for the Arts.