WASHINGTON (DC News Now) — A climate activist from North Carolina was convicted for his role in defacing a sculpture at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C, according to the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USADC).
On Monday, April 7, a federal jury found Timothy Martin, 55, of Raleigh, guilty of conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States and injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit.
During the four-day trial, evidence introduced in court revealed that Martin and Johanna Smith, 54, of Brooklyn, NY, smeared paint across the case and base of Edgar Degas’ “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” sculpture.
Following the attack, a group called “Declare Emergency” took credit for the defacing.
According to the USADC, Smith and Martin agreed, along with others, to go to the art gallery to target the sculpture. The group reportedly entered with water bottles filled with paint.
While Smith and Martin smeared black and red paint across the case and base of the sculpture, others with the group recorded the act.
Officials noted that the pair caused over $4,000 in damage, and the exhibit was removed from public display for 10 days.
The National Gallery of Art’s website described the sculpture as one of the most beloved works of art that has drawn in hundreds of visitors. The sculpture, depicting a young ballet dancer, was shown at the impressionist exhibition in Paris in 1881.
Smith pleaded guilty on Dec. 15, 2023, to causing injury to a National Gallery of Art exhibit. She was sentenced to 60 days in prison and two years of supervised probation.
Martin’s sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 22.
“This verdict sends a strong message to the thousands of people who come to D.C. each year to demonstrate and be heard,” said U.S Attorney Martin. “Free speech is a constitutional right. But when you take action, such as destroying property like priceless pieces of art, you are crossing a line that no one in this city will condone. We want to Make D.C. Safe and Beautiful Again, and we will not tolerate anyone defacing our city to get attention for their cause.”
