Torres with one of her art works in public. (image via L Magazine)
We have an update on Julie Torres, the watercolor artist who was bizarrely arrested for painting in public. We reported the full story a few weeks ago and L Magazine published her personal story yesterday.
And now an update in L Magazine from the artist after yesterday’s court date … which features a nice surprise:
My best weapon in the courtroom was Hrag Vartanian’s Hyperallergic article, which single-handedly changed the DA’s offer. I was offered a Violation charge (down from Graffiti and Disorderly Conduct), which I declined. In response, I produced printouts of the Hyperallergic article (also picked up by Gothamist and Gawker) and within minutes was presented with the vastly improved offer of an ACD (Adjournment in Contemplation of Dismissal). I declined that offer as well, and my case has been adjourned for further documentation.
We’re happy we could help, but we’ll be happier when the charges are dropped!
Good Work!
that is awesome! way to go!
What is going on here?! Doesn’t the NYPD have better things to do? I have heard about and experienced more aggressive police behavior towards artists recently, especially in Bushwick…I don’t get it.
Nice to see that NYPD has their priorities straight – I mean, obviously this woman is such a threat to public order…much more so than drug dealers and gangs. Right? RIIIIIIIGGGGGHHHHHT?!