from NeverAloneArt.org

The second annual Never Alone online art auction launches today, June 11, the International Day of Solidarity with Marie Mason, Eric McDavid and all Eco-prisoners. Marie and Eric are two environmental and social justice activists who are both serving near 20 year sentences for their involvement in environmental struggle in the United States. All artworks will be exhibited and available for online purchase until June 30. Funds raised will be used to support Marie, Eric and other eco-prisoners’ needs.

There are 24 artists involved this year, including a number of prisoners who have contributed artworks from behind prison walls. All of the artworks focus on themes of wilderness, liberation, state captivity and our relationship with the natural world and other animals.

Marie Mason, a prolific visual artist and musician, has contributed two paintings from a restrictive unit inside Carswell Federal Prison in Texas. Her paintings depict aspects of the natural world that are shared with her by friends from the outside who are continuing the struggle to defend ecological systems. Another prisoner who has contributed artwork is Jose Heladio Villarreal, a hunger striker and long term resident of Pelican Bay prison’s notorious isolation unit.

A great number of artists on the other side of prison walls, including members of the Justseeds Artists’ Cooperative and Beehive Design Collective, have contributed a range of stunning prints, paintings and drawings.

The Never Alone exhibition is a beautiful visual representation of people’s dedication for defending the natural world, and the rights of people to stand in defense of it without facing excessive punishment from the State. It’s also a passionate expression of solidarity with those who have fallen prey to the waves of repression we see political activists facing all over the world.

From June 11 – 30 the Never Alone exhibition will be able to be viewed online around the world at neveraloneart.org.

Contributing Artists

Adam Void, Ali Cat Leeds, Alma Sheppard-Matsuo, Amy Wilson, Christina Mrozik, Eric McDavid*, Elektra KB, Eva Hall, Gedden, Jeff Luers, Jose Heladio Villarreal*, Larry Pendleton*, Marie Mason *, Matt Taylor, Mazatl, Nicole Rodrigues, Pat Perry, Sean Swain*, Shannon Willmott, Tiger Killhour, Todd (Hyung-Rae) Tarselli (TR)*, Vulpes Vulpes, witchmoss, Zack Meade. (*denotes current prisoner)

You can find out more about Marie & Eric’s cases at:
supportmariemason.org
supporteric.org

Find out more about the June 11 International Day of Solidarity with Marie Mason, Eric McDavid and all Ecoprisoners
at: earthfirstjournal.org/june11

Contact: neveraloneexhibit@gmail.com