Tim Martin’s sketch of himself and his cell in DC Jail
Tim Martin’s sentencing has been delayed, to give the court time to review evidence pertinent to sentencing that was submitted by Tim’s attorney. A new date has not yet been set. Tim was supposed to have been sentenced October 3. We’ll keep you updated!
Tim has also been moved – he is no longer in DC Jail. You can find his new address here. Please write him!
Tim Martin will be sentenced on October 3, 2025, following his conviction in April 2025 for “conspiracy to commit an offense against the United States” and damage to an art exhibit. These felony charges relate to damaging a pedestal and plexiglass case protecting the Degas sculpture Little Dancer of Fourteen Years at the National Gallery of Art. The sculpture itself wasn’t damaged, no one was injured, and total damage amounted to just over $200, but the felony charges carry a potential sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. The jury was expressly instructed not to consider whether the felony charge, with its severe penalty, was justifiable under the circumstances.
Tim acted with Joanna Smith. Joanna, who along with Tim cited her concern about the uncertain future for her children as the impetus for the action, pled guilty to a felony in 2023 and was sentenced to 60 days in federal prison—a day in prison for each $3.33 of damage.
Details:
- When: October 3, 2025, 9:30am
- Where: DC District Courthouse, 333 Constitution Ave NW, Washington DC
- Judge: Amy Berman Jackson, Courtroom 4025
- Note: Judge Jackson customarily prohibits bags at sentencing hearings.
The Degas sculpture captures the vulnerability and defiance of a 14-year-old ballet dancer. In April 2023, Tim and Joanna Smith used washable children’s paint to finger-paint on the pedestal and glass case housing the sculpture. Their act was a protest against the hypocrisy in how the nation’s leaders afford elaborate protections to a representation of a child—maintaining a team of conservators and a climate-controlled environment for the artwork—while real children and vulnerable communities are left to face an escalating environmental crisis with little to no protection.
Stand with Tim and show your support!
