BIG ARTS 2024
Talking Points
Talking 2024 SPEAKERS
POINTS
Enjoy three lively and stimulating presentations by experts in a diverse range of topical issues and participate in the engaging Q&A dialogue that has become the hallmark of the Talking Points experience.
All sessions are at 7:30 p.m. in BIG ARTS Christensen Performance Hall. If you prefer, you can purchase a livestream ticket and enjoy Talking Points from the comfort of your own home.
MARCH 14
AVI LOEB, PhD , Harvard’s top astronomer, is the Frank B. Baird, Jr., Professor of Science at Harvard University.
EXTRATERRESTRIAL LIFE
We are not alone, believes Avi Loeb, chair of Harvard’s Department of Astronomy, founding director of Harvard’s Black Hole Initiative, director of the Institute for Theory and Computation within the HarvardSmithsonian Center for Astrophysics and author. Loeb and his team have set up a telescope on the roof of the Harvard College Observatory to look for evidence of extraterrestrial life. They are looking for strange objects, such as the one sighted in 2017 by scientists at a Hawaiian observatory that was moving so quickly that Loeb claims it could only have come from another star. Join Loeb on March 14 for fascinating discussion about his search for extraterrestrial life, the importance of curiosity and other mysteries of our universe.
2 BIG ARTS Talking Points 2024
MARCH 20
CRAIG PITTMAN is a native Floridian, a bestselling author, a podcaster and an award-winning environmental reporter.
THE STATE YOU’RE IN: FLORIDA
That name. That combination of sounds. Three simple syllables packing mixed messages. To some people, it’s a paradise. To others, it’s a punchline. As award-winning journalist and New York Times bestselling author Craig Pittman shows it’s both of these and so much more. In his latest book, The State You’re In , he gathers 51 stories and columns he’s written over the past 30 years that, in his words, “celebrate Florida’s glorious weirdness.” There are tales of mermaids, manatees, fugitives, con men, secret loves, tattooed retirees, nudists and mythical creatures that turn out to be real -- you know, the usual.
MARCH 27
DAN MOLDEA, specialist on organized crime and political corruption investigations since 1974, bestselling author and independent investigative journalist.
ORGANIZED CRIME IN THE 21ST CENTURY
There is no better expert on organized crime in America today than DAN MOLDEA . He has been at the forefront of various crime investigations for almost 50 years and is still involved with the search for Jimmy Hoffa’s body. He’s written several non-fiction books about organized crime, interviewed hundreds of mobsters, and will share his keen insight into this world of corruption, intrigue, and murder.
As a best-selling author and independent investigative journalist, Dan E. Moldea has published ten nonfiction books – most recently: A True Story of Wiretapping, Friendship, and Betrayal (2018); and Money, Politics, and Corruption in U.S. Higher Education: The Stories of Whistleblowers (2020). Moldea is also a registered private investigator and independent consultant, participating in a wide variety of breathtaking and mind-blowing capers.
BIG ARTS Talking Points 2024 3
Great communities create great organizations – not the other way around. In 1979, BIG ARTS was created, by, and for the community, and owes its rich history to a small band of dedicated artists who drew inspiration from each other and from the breathtaking island beauty that infused their work with grace and authenticity. They set out to create a special gathering place where artistic and educational experiences were accessible to all. Today that vision is alive and well. With the help of our loyal donors and supporters, BIG ARTS will carry that vision forward – providing joy, inspiration and a sense of community for generations to come.
Vision
To create great arts, entertainment and learning experiences that always inspire, enrich and delight.
Mission
Provide an array of quality entertainment, arts and education programs that enrich and nurture the lives of Sanibel and Captiva residents and visitors through:
• professionally led arts and enrichment classes and workshops for students of all ages
• stimulating and informative lectures and group discussions with renowned national thought leaders and educators
• dynamic visual and performing arts presentations of the highest caliber
TICKETS:
In Person: 900 Dunlop Road I Sanibel, Florida 33957 I 239.395.0900 Online: BIGARTS.org
Call for box office hours.
BIG ARTS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. See website for ticket purchase policy.
Create a lasting legacy at BIG ARTS by considering a gift in your estate planning. Gifts can be made in many forms. For information on how to support BIG ARTS and all its programs, call (239) 395-0900.