7 Best Talks and Lectures in Metro Phoenix in August

You're never too smart for a little extra education, and this month you can to catch many different lectures around the Valley that are sure to pique your interest. Women in STEM? Modern architecture? How about oppression-fighting women with swords? All that and more will be discussed and questioned by professionals and curious Phoenicians, and you're invited. 

"#ItWasNeverADress: A Conversation About Local Super Heroes"
On August 5 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m, Axosoft "curator of code" Tania Katan will lead a conversation that explores heroes and leaders here in the Valley. Her hashtagged “It Was Never a Dress” campaign encouraged countless Twitter users to share their stories of women excelling in STEM fields and in their communities and now she’s bringing the conversation to the Steele Auditorium at the Heard Museum. The panel discussion is free and open to the public.

"The Rights of Indians and Tribes"
Visiting author Stephen L. Pevar will be at the Heard Museum on August 7 to discuss his latest book, The Rights of Indians and Tribes. Pevar currently serves as a senior staff counsel of the American Civil Liberties and formerly worked as a lawyer for various tribes. Beginning at 6:30 p.m., Pevar will discuss his latest book as well as some of the legal troubles American Indians face today. The event is free, though attendees who wish to purchase the book can do so for $25.

Birds 'N Beer
What do birds and beer have in common? You can enjoy both of them on the third Thursday of every month at the Rio Salado Audubon Center. From 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., join fellow avian experts and cicerones in a round table discussion that could include, but is not limited to, funny animal videos and Four Peaks beer. This month's topic: all things dove. Local small game biologist Jonathan O'Dell will host the free event on August 20.

Reimagine Phoenix
If you’re interested in learning more about recycling and how the City of Phoenix is working to transform trash into resources, Branda DesChamps of the Phoenix Public Works Department will be holding an informational presentation on August 22. During the hourlong discussion, she will discuss sustainability in the Valley and answer questions regarding the Reimagine Phoenix Program. The discussion will be held in the meeting room at the Century Library in Phoenix and begins at 2 p.m. There will be an opportunity for participants to ask questions about recycling and sustainability.


"Modifying Wright's Buildings and Their Sites - Taliesin West, 1937-2010"
In this installment of the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Pastfinder Series, architect Arnold Roy will present on August 25. From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Mustang Library, guests will have the opportunity to learn about Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West from the man who has worked with the home since the early 1950s. Roy also works with many Scottsdale boards to preserve historic buildings.This is a free lecture and is open to the public.

"Thinking with Charles & Ray Eames"
Architect, author, and ASU president’s professor Max Underwood will be speaking about his experiences working with Charles and Ray Eames at SMoCA on August 27. The Eames are two of the most notable designers of the 20th century, and are famous for their iconic contributions to architecture, furniture and industrial design, and modern photography. Underwood is known for placing students in prestigious design, business, architecture, and film practices around the world, and has won numerous awards for his teaching. The presentation is free and open to the public.
Sex and Swords in Petticoats: Female Pirates of the Caribbean in the Early Modern Period
On August 29 at the Irish Cultural Center in Downtown Phoenix, Dr. Sharonah Fredrick will be presenting “Sex and Swords in Petticoats: Female Pirates of the Caribbean in the Early Modern Period.” This presentation is part of the “Fearless Females: Audacious and Feisty Women of the Middle Ages and Renaissance" series hosted by Arizona Center for Medieval and Renaissance Studies. Beginning at 7 p.m., attendants can expect to learn all about famous Irish female pirates and how they contributed to race relations through slave revolts, dominated male-led crews, and other performed numerous other revolutionary acts in their time. This is open to the public, and a $5 donation will be accepted at the door.