The blazing hot national campaign to Free the Degas Two continued this weekend, following a blazing hot, 4th of July-7th of July, record setting days days for heat, globally.

Groups XR NYC and XR LA launched campaigns on either side of the country, calling for charges against Declare Emergency members, Joanna Smith and Tim Martin, to be dropped.

Top Left, XR Los Angeles at Degas at the Simon in Pasadena, July 7th. The rest of the photos
are in and around the Met on the second solidarity action, July 8th. There are many pictures
to choose from, but it does not appear they were able to get to the Degas statue for a
demonstration on that day.

Both these activists, known as the Degas Two among campaigners, defaced the casing of the Edgar Degas original wax figure, in Washington DC, in April of 2023, at the National Gallery of Art. As they sat peacefully around the statue, they were arrested, and are now being charged with Federal Conspiracy, carrying a maximum of $500,000 and 10 years in prison.

The groups launching solidarity actions have targeted the less valuable bronze impressions of the statue, though one still sold for $41 million dollars recently. The solidarity actions have ranged from holding signs, to mouth coverings, and other forms of silent disruption and protest. The actions have even moved into other areas of the Museums, at The Met (NYC) and the Norton Simon Museum in Los Angeles.

 

Left, the original Degas action, with Tim Martin and Joanna Smith, on the right, the first of two solidarity actions at the Degas Statue at the Met, June 25th

The solidarity actions which took place in Los Angeles, 7-7-2023 and NYC, 7-8-2023 were non-violent and did not harm any art or casings surrounding art.

XR NYC was joined by Rise & Resist NYC for these actions.

edit: 11am, EST, We now know that 8 exhibits were shut down at the Met sit in in NYC! You can read more about it on their press release here: https://www.xrebellion.nyc/news/free-the-degas-two-action-fdglz

It is not known at this time if more groups will join, or if more solidarity actions are being planned. Supporters can sign the petition at xrpathways.org/freedegas2

 

SMALL NUMBERS, BIG IMPACT

hosted by XR NYC

September 28th, 6:30-7:30, EST

Four civil disobedience activists (including one rebel) blocked the road to the Burning Man festival. It generated hundreds of media stories.

Another rebel glued his feet to the floor of Arthur Ashe stadium and stopped a US Open semi-final game for 49 minutes. It generated thousands of media hits worldwide, inserted the topic of climate emergency where it is least seen - the sports pages.

Would you like to be a part of this new wave of climate actions, where a small number of brave people can make a big impact?

Come learn from these two rebels. It's not hard. It just needs a bit of pluck, a bit of creativity, and a straightforward message.

 

Register for a Zoom link.

 

for other events with XR NYC visit xrebellion.nyc/events

 

 

Join up with Declare Emergency and make Headlines in DC

Join DE This Sunday for a talk about how you can join this exciting group - and start making headlines of your own! Or at least help others do the same.
“What are our responsibilities at this time? Because of the fossil fuel industry, we are facing horrors of a magnitude never before experienced in our existence. Our government continues to lead us to the edge of no return. We must stand up and defend ourselves. No one else is going to do it. It must be us, if we want to live.
Our methods must be disruptive, and they must be nonviolent. Our actions are evidence-based, credible, and we have a plan. The only thing missing at this point in time is YOU!”
Register now at declareemergency.org/events