Tomato soup, mashed potatoes. Wall papering over masterpieces. Glued protestors. Museum mayhem. Has warfare come to the corridors of art exhibitions? Why is art the target and is this form of action acceptable? What could justify damage to the world’s cultural heritage? UNESCO Blue Shield Emblems signal the protection of cultural heritage during war. Must we now offer that level of protection to museums?

This lecture will highlight the history of art vandalism and examine the recent surge in incidents. Most importantly, we will identify the organizations and their silent partners funding these actions.

Christine Maasdam holds a Master in Humanities and a B.A. in Cultural Geography. Her art studies include The Courtauld Institute of Art in London, The Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in D.C. and Post Graduate studies in Antiquities Trafficking and Art Crime at the University of Glasgow. She is a graduate of the Art Crime Investigation Seminar led by Robert Wittman, founder of the FBI's National Art Crime Team. Christine is a member of the International Foundation for Cultural Property Protection and holds a certificate from Trident Manor on Protection of Cultural Venues. Christine received Sotheby’s certification on Determining Value: An Appraiser’s Perspective. She has spent over a decade as a LACMA docent and is an active volunteer at the City of David archaeological dig in Israel.