Catch a glimpse of Vernon T. Bateman‘s July 2024 invite-only art opening and get a taste of the breadth and depth of his works, intellect, community and friends, artistic colleagues and backers, and personal and political supporters. Vernon discusses three of the over 20 pieces exhibited, including “Cookies and milk,” which depicts two animals in a chain-link frame he made from popsicle sticks while inside of prison over of three and a half years.
Learn about his character from a few of the many people in our community who work closely with him. Watch as deliver awards of encouragement and solidarity to one of the many recipients that night, who ranged from Congressman André Carson and Shannon Watts of Moms Demand Action to Eric Jones Jr. and IDOC Watch.
A snapshot of an infinite reservoir of creativity and kindness
Go to FreeVernon.org to learn more about this brilliant and in-demand artist, and author, before signing the petition to demand his immediate exoneration!
Transcript
[Applause]
Host: I went to Vernon and I said, “Man I didn’t know you had this many friends! I wish I had friends like you.” Now, if you’re a friend of his, you’re a friend of ours. He’s… he’s an awesome guy, and is very talented, and we are very proud to host some of his artwork here.
[Applause]
[Light Jazz Music Plays]
Vernon: This is called, “Cookies and milk.” You see the, like, ball and chain on his ankle. That’s like me striving to even have affection, or love, or anything. I did the chain with Popsicle sticks inside prison. It took me three and a half years to make.“
Audience member: “Wow…”
[Applause]
[Music]
Vernon: Now, of course we know this as “The last supper,” but I changed the name to “Until the lion learn how to read and write.” The story will always be told from the hunter’s perspective, meaning a lot of people never had a chance to tell their stories. You only hear from the hunter.
So, this is social injustice from right to left: You got Emmitt Till, Trayvon Martin, Ahmaud Arbery, Sandra Bland, Philando Castile, Alton Sterling, George Floyd, Aiyana Stanley-Jones, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor, Elijah McClain, Michael Brown, Tamir Rice. George Floyd, Tamir Rice. And, under the table, that’s like everything our people have to go through to get a seat at the table.
[Music]
[Applause]
Vernon: This is another painting called “Until it hit home.” It’s like, two babies inside of a crib, and a bullet came through and that’s what be landing in our babies hands these days—is a bullet. So, it’s ripped up head off, the arm off, stuff like that. So, it’s red, white, and blue walls to show it happens in our American homes.
Aubrey Whiteman: So, Vernon is a very outspoken advocate for our youth against gun violence, miseducation and general, violence against them from the system, from the peers, from society. He has chosen to use this day, which is to celebrate him and his art and his advocacy, to uplift others—which if you know Vernon, is just about the most Vernon thing he could do. So, I’m going to welcome Vernon up to the podium. He and Derek are going to take turns passing out these awards, some to some friends and family and some to organizations.
Vernon: “Uh, this award is to “Thou Shalt Not Kill.” Tashima Jones isn’t here, but her brother is here. Come on up.”
[Applause]
[Music]
