ARTISTS AGAINST THE DRUG WAR

I have written before about the importance of the visual artist's role
as social commentator and activist in society. The creation of art can
be powerful tool for raising public awareness that can result in
positive social and political change. Picasso, Diego Rivera, Goya and
many others have used the canvas to paint bold political statements
that affect the world.

Recently, the entertainer Sting, whose fantastic voice paints words
like works of art, has joined the effort to raise awareness about the
war on drugs. It's exciting that a long-time activist like Sting has
chosen to step forward on this issue. The response was great because
few public policies have undermined fundamental civil rights and
liberties, social justice and public health for so long and to such an
extent as the war on drugs.

On May 17, Sikkema Jenkins & Co. will host an art auction and cocktail
party to benefit the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA), the nation's leading
organization promoting alternatives to the drug war that are grounded in
science, compassion, health and human rights. Re:FORM represents the
third installment in a groundbreaking partnership between the art world
and the drug policy reform movement, following the first two successful
events in 2005 and 2008. Donald Baechler and Fred Tomaselli are Artist
Co-chairs. Honorary Co-Chairs are film director Darren Aronofsky and
philanthropic art supporters Peter Lewis, George Soros, and Elizabeth
Sackler. The event will honor longtime advocate Artie Malkin who has
been at the forefront of dozens of successful legislative campaigns,
including the reform of the Rockefeller Drug Laws. Contributing artists
include Kara Walker, John Waters, Petah Coyne and many others.

The U.S. now has the highest incarceration rate in the world -- one
American adult out of every 100 is currently behind bars. The United
States makes up less than 5 percent of the world's population but
close to 25 percent of the world's incarcerated population. More than
half a million people are behind bars tonight for nothing more than a
drug law violation. More than 750,000 Americans were arrested last
year for simple marijuana possession. The drug war even targets sick
and dying Americans, thousands of whom are regularly denied access to
medical marijuana, a medication with proven medical benefits for the
treatment of a wide range of serious illnesses. This art auction
benefit is inspired by past artists who have used art as a vehicle for
social change. It is our hope that this show will enlighten others to
join us in our attempt to stop the madness of the war on drugs.

For more information about this important event please visit
http://www.drugpolicy.org/auction