AMERICAN LEFT HISTORY

This space is dedicated to the proposition that we need to know the history of the struggles on the left and of earlier progressive movements here and world-wide. If we can learn from the mistakes made in the past (as well as what went right) we can move forward in the future to create a more just and equitable society. We will be reviewing books, CDs, and movies we believe everyone needs to read, hear and look at as well as making commentary from time to time. Greg Green, site manager

Friday, August 09, 2013

Courtroom art auction by Debra Van Poolen an astounding success!

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The Bradley Manning Support Network is pleased to announce that the courtroom art auction featuring the work of Debra Van Poolen was an astounding success raising more than $4480! The first round of the auction raised $2200.00 while the second round of the auction raised $2480.42. An enormous thanks to all the bidders and especially to Debra Van Poolen.

Artist bio:

Debra Van Poolen, 44, is an artist, permaculturist and activist. Currently, Debra is taking on the role of courtroom artist, covering each day of the court martial of Bradley Manning for three main purposes. First, due to the mainstream media near blackout of the trial, leaving very few artists to cover the trial, Debra sought to supply the need for more courtroom artists daily recording the important events of this unprecedented occasion in US history. Second, Debra is hoping her drawings will highlight the humanity of each person involved with the trial, especially the vulnerability of the 25-year old Bradley Manning who could face the extreme sentence of life in prison. Third, Debra intends that each of her drawings and paintings serve as yet another motivation for their viewers and purchasers to promote justice in this court martial.
80% of the profits from the first round of the auction were donated to the Bradley Manning defense fund.
In the second round of the auction, 80% of the proceeds were split evenly between the Bradley Manning Support Network legal defense fund and the Washington DC production of the play “bradass87″, written by Claire Lebowitz. (http://www.facebook.com/Bradass87play)