For its monthly program, Visual Arts Alliance will present a fascinating look into the art world’s dark underbelly, courtesy of Vivian T-N Ho, author of To Catch an Art Thief.

The years surrounding 1985 were boom times for art thieves, and Ms. Ho offers a unique view into this shady world of crooks, fences and unscrupulous art dealers where masterpieces are the currency of choice. Writing as Vivian T-N Ho, artist and criminal justice scholar Dr. Truc-Nhu Ho reconstructs this dark period in art history, exploring the strategies and tactics used by art thieves, from simple shoplifting to elaborate burglary schemes. At the lecture she will also delve into the response of law enforcement to art-related crimes, recounting and reconstructing cases from the New York City Police Department.

There will be a book signing and Dr. Ho has offered to donate 15% of the sales to VAA.