Art Auction to Benefit Imprisoned New York City Social Justice & Environmental Activist Daniel McGowan
NEW YORK, NY – On December 7, 2005, New York City activist Daniel McGowan was among the first people arrested as part of an FBI offensive against environmental activists called "Operation Backfire", which activists have dubbed part of the Green Scare (after the Red Scare of the 40s and 50s). Daniel began serving his seven-year sentence in July 2007. In August 2008, Daniel was moved to the Communication Management Unit (CMU) in Marion, IL, a federal prison unit that bypassed the usual review process and severely restricts inmates' communication with the outside world.
To mark the four-year anniversary of Daniel's arrest, and to highlight the continued repression of activists that the federal government has labeled "terrorists," Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan will be hosting an art show, auction and raffle this December. Proceeds will go to Daniel's commissary account and a number of his favorite environmental and social justice organizations.
WHO: Presented by Family and Friends of Daniel McGowan along with popular street artists; political printmakers; and renowned graphic designers.
WHAT: Art Show and Auction featuring artists such as SWOON; Nikki McClure; Just Seeds Artist Cooperative members such as Josh MacPhee and Kevin Caplicki; BORF and many more.
WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2009, 1-9pm. Reception: 7-9pm
WHERE: ADC Gallery, 106 West 29th Street, Ground Floor, NYC
The show will feature art that embodies or deals with the struggles activists face in today's climate of government repression, as well as the heart-breaking effects of prison, for those both inside and out. Some of the art on auction will explore the themes of the Green Scare and resultant political prisoners, the government’s attempt to paint radicalism as terrorism, and the resulting repression of activism. Other pieces will explore what is lost and what is sacrificed when we lose parts of our community to prison. The show will explore the important aspects of being human that are lost to the isolation of prison, such as communication and expression, human touch and contact, and trusting relationships with those that surround you.
For further information, go to:
http://www.supportdaniel.org/
