Last March, in anticipation of an upcoming trial against me who was accused of "offering art for sale" in St. Augustine's Plaza de la Constitucion, I requested a meeting with the city to perhaps meet some mutually satisfying resolution without, once again encumbering taxpayers with the expense of witnesses testifying, court time, city attorney's, bad press, etc. We've all been there before. Commissioner Leanne Freeman came forth and set up a meeting.
The initial meeting covered some of the questions that were addressed by previous decisions by the County and Federal courts both here and in other judicial districts. A second meeting should be scheduled soon since the court dates for me will be coming up again in July. I feel that this is the FIRST time the administration of the City of St. Augustine has shown a willingness to recognize visual artist's rights.
The objective is to draft an ordinance that is constitutionally compliant and will have artist's and their easels back on city streets and plazas. At this time it is illegal for an artists to do so in most of the historic district.
Great job, Suvo!!!
ReplyDeleteYou sure are tenacious and I look up to you for that reason!
Bravo!!