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