BECOME YOUR DREAM
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Wednesday, Jun 23, 2004, 6:23 pm EST
Plea from Friends of De la Vega
Friends of De la Vega
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On Thursday, June 10, 2004 New York artist James De La Vega was convicted on 3 counts of Class B misdemeanors. Originally charged with criminal mischief, making graffiti, and possession of graffiti materials, the DA reduced the charges to Class B misdemeanors on the opening day of the trial eliminating the option to defend his case before a jury. De La Vega returns to court for sentencing on July 29th, and the conviction could mean up to six months in jail for allegedly marking a wall with the intent to damage. According to a witness for the prosecution, the cost of removing De La Vegas painting was $20 - this statement further disproves that any real damage was done. Although De La Vega has never denied painting on the wall located at 80
Bruckner Boulevard without permission; he holds steadfast to the fact that his intent was never to damage or devalue, but instead to provoke thought as
motorists stopped at the red light on their way into Manhattan via the Willis Avenue Bridge.

Friends of De La Vega have gathered our resources to send a message of protest against a system that would enforce a law that devalues the lifework
and efforts of one of our citys most prolificartists. If you have ever walked upon a De La Vega drawing or thought and paused to smile, or are one of the many who has dragged home a found De La Vega drawn on discarded furniture or cardboard, you understand the value that he brings to our city.

From Nuyorican poet Willie Perdomo:

We can`t let them throw this brother in jail. I`ve spent a few afternoons in front of his store/studio and I see the effect he has on New York City, El
Barrio, and the world judging from the volume of tourists who come through. Send the judge a letter. Send him five letters. But let him know that this needs to be treated like art, man. Make him do something creative. Pass this on. Please.

WP

Any letters to the judge should beaddressed to:

Honorable Seth Marvin
Crminal Court Judge Bronx County Criminal Court
215 E. 161st St. Bronx, NY 10451

SEND ALL LETTERS TO DE LA VEGA`S ATTORNEY:

Daniel J. Ollen, Esq. 20 Vesey Street Suite 1200 New York, NY 10007

For more information about other ways you can help, contact Friends of De La Vega at 347-512-3703 or e-mail friendsofdelavega@yahoo.com