Climate activist Joanna Smith from Brooklyn, NY, was charged for vandalizing the 19th-century French artist Edgar Degas’ “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” sculpture at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. She received a 60-day prison sentence, 24 months of supervised release, and 150 hours of community service, including cleaning graffiti. Smith also paid restitution for the damage caused and was banned from entering the nation’s capital and all museums and monuments for two years. Along with other co-conspirators, Smith traveled to Washington, D.C., smuggled paint in plastic water bottles, and filmed themselves smearing paint on the base and case of the sculpture, causing $4,000 in damage and requiring the statue to be removed from public display for 10 days for repairs.
The government’s evidence revealed that Smith and her co-conspirators created video statements explaining their intent to deface the artwork. They also alerted reporters from the Washington Post, who arrived and took photos of the vandalism. The incident, which took place on April 27, 2023, involved the activists hitting the approximately 143-year-old sculpture with force. The vandalism was investigated by the FBI’s Washington Field Office, specifically the Art Crime Team, with assistance from the National Gallery of Art Police, and the U.S. Park Police. Smith received a less severe sentence than the maximum possible penalty of five years in prison, reflecting the court’s consideration of the damage caused and her role in the crime.
This incident is part of a broader trend of climate activists engaging in acts of civil disobedience to draw attention to environmental issues. In a separate incident, activists in Scotland vandalized the ‘Braveheart’ monument as part of a climate protest. These actions highlight the commitment of some activists to raise awareness of climate change and other environmental concerns by targeting high-profile locations and landmarks. While such protests can generate media attention, they also risk damaging valuable cultural artifacts and disrupting the public’s access to important artwork and historical sites.
The sentencing of Joanna Smith sends a message that acts of vandalism and destruction of public property will not be tolerated, even in the name of activism. By imposing a prison sentence, supervised release, community service, and a ban on entering certain locations, the court emphasizes the seriousness of the crime and the need to preserve cultural heritage. The financial restitution paid by Smith also underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and compensating for any damage caused. The collaborative efforts of law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and local police, demonstrate a commitment to protecting artistic and historical treasures from vandalism and destruction.
As the climate crisis continues to escalate, activists may turn to increasingly drastic measures to draw attention to the urgency of addressing environmental issues. While peaceful protests and advocacy are important tools for effecting change, acts of vandalism can undermine the credibility of the movement and overshadow legitimate concerns about climate change. By engaging in dialogue with policymakers, participating in peaceful demonstrations, and advocating for systemic change, activists can channel their energy and passion into constructive efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainability. The case of Joanna Smith serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of illegal and destructive behavior in the pursuit of environmental activism.
