Lecture & Lunch Series

The Lecture & Lunch Series, organized with the help of the Friends Committee, boasts a lineup of distinguished speakers in their fields, offering a spectrum of topics from classical to contemporary art, intertwined with fascinating cultural insights. Each session is complemented by a delightful lunch, creating an ideal blend of intellectual and culinary nourishment. Embark on a journey of exploration and learning, where art and culture are in perfect harmony.
Lecture: 11:00AM | Lunch: 12:00PM

Monday, February 24, 2025
Russell D. Hamer, PH.D
What Art Tells Us About the Brain: The Surreal Painting of Rene Magritte
Visual neuroscientists consider the 40,000-year history of human pictorial art the oldest form of “brain science.” This exploration of Belgian Surrealist René Magritte’s paintings demonstrate how the visual
brain works; figures shift from foreground to background, transparency conflicts with opacity, and objects are distorted by the brain’s urge to interpret scenes. How do simple brushstrokes create a rich 3-D experience from a 2-D canvas? Magritte’s art invites us to reflect on the distinction between image and reality, deepening our understanding of art and its connection to our everyday lives.

Dr. Russell Hammer is an Affiliate Research Professor in Psychology at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. He is a leading expert in visual perception with over 40 years of research. His work has established international norms for infant visual development and recently focuses on how art reflects brain function and enhances aesthetics. He has presented at major conferences and published in Journal of Vision (2023) and Art & Perception (2024), including studies on René Magritte, and lectured at the Norton Museum of Art in May 2023.

Monday, March 17, 2024
Armando Droulers
Paintings from the Spanish Golden Age
The Spanish Baroque period stands as a testament to the cultural, religious, and political
aspirations of Spain during its Golden Age. The empire expanded its colonial possessions and acquired riches from the New World, fueling a vibrant cultural scene. It contained a strong mark of mysticism and religion that was encouraged by the counter-reformation and the patronage of Spain’s strongly Catholic monarchs and aristocracy. The works of artists such as El Greco, Diego Velázquez, Bartolomé Esteban Murillo, and Francisco Zurbarán exemplify the key features of Spanish Baroque art.

Armando Droulers is an art historian, educator and lecturer. He studied at Bard College, Academia de Arte Federico Brandt, New World School of the Arts, and the University of Florida. He lectures extensively on art and culture at unive sities, museums, cultural centers, corporate events and cruise ships. He also organizes international art and culture tours and art and wine events. He has lived in Europe, the Middle East, Latin America, and the United States, andspeaks fluent English, French, and Spanish.

Monday, April 7, 2025
Laura Reich, Esq.
Fakes, Forgeries, and Frauds: International Intrigue in Art Law
Fakes, forgeries, and frauds in the art world are more common than you might think. The definition of a “fake” varies by circumstances and culture. What makes a work of art a fake? Can forgeries or frauds hold value? This exploration will delve into the law of authenticity, provenance, and originality. By studying famous art forgeries and recent scandals, we will examine art’s intrinsic value and its significance in the modern world. Join us to explore the entertaining and scandalous realm of art fakes, and you’ll never view art the same way again!

Laura M. Reich, Esq. is a commercial litigator and arbitrator specializing in art, business, and communications law. She is a partner at Harper Meyer in Miami, and an adjunct professor at Florida International University School of Law, where she also teaches paralegals at Florida Atlantic University. Ms. Reich serves as the Secretary of the International Law Section of The Florida Bar and was the Editor-in-Chief of its International Law Quarterly. A published author and lecturer, her recent works include “Reversing the Silk Road: The Rapid Rise of the Art Market in Asia and its Implications” and “The Art of Arbitration.

Series tickets
$270 per person 
Museum Members only.
Please call 561-392-2500 x 213 to RSVP

Single event tickets
Members: $125, Non-Members: $150
If available, single tickets may be
purchased online two weeks prior
to each event.