Dear Judge Jackson,

We are signing this letter/petition to urge leniency in the sentencing of Joanna Smith and Tim Martin for their symbolic, non-violent action on April 27th, 2023. On that day, Smith and Martin placed their hands in water-soluble paint and left their handprints on equipment supporting the Degas sculpture "Little Dancer," which portrays a child. They willingly allowed themselves to be arrested for this symbolic act of civil disobedience, which caused no harm to any person and did not result in the destruction or damage of any property."

The two activists were indicted on charges of conspiracy to commit an offense against the U.S. Government and injury to a National Gallery of Art property. Each charge carries a maximum statutory sentence of 5 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. We are deeply concerned, both about the specific charges in this case and their impact on these individuals and their families, as well as the broader implications of this overly repressive response. The right to protest in the U.S. and the history of symbolic, nonviolent civil disobedience actions are well-documented. However, these charges and this case appear to disregard past precedents and respond to these recent acts in an excessively severe manner.

While it is formally recognized that we are currently facing a scientific tipping point regarding CO2 emissions and other environmental crises, there is a widespread belief that insufficient governmental action is being taken to reverse the current climate disaster. Therefore, it is particularly urgent that voices expressing concern are not silenced and that those who act for the future of our children are supported.

Joanna Smith pled guilty to the felony damage charge. While the other charge has been dropped in her case, in her sentencing hearing at the end of the month she still faces a possible 5-year sentence.

In the words of Joanna Smith: "Art is the highest expression of the human spirit; how we express ourselves and our creativity, how we innovate and come up with new solutions. We chose the Little Dancer because she is safe and completely protected in her climate-controlled box. People, animals and ecosystems around the world don't have any protection; they are exposed and treated as completely expendable by our government and the corporations which intentionally choose to show the worst side of human nature with their disconnectedness, their greed and their urge to destroy everything that is worth living for."

We respectfully urge you to show leniency for Joanna Smith who has demonstrated her sincere concern for our planet.