Shepard has joined many of Alain Ket Mariduena’s friends in supporting his on going battle with the NYC courts by presenting an Art Benefit for Alain Ket’s Legal Defense. Art will be auctioned off on July 26th and an event will be held on August 1st in NYC with proceeds going towards the defense fund.

Alain Ket Maridueña is a publisher, writer, Hip Hop historian, activist and graffiti artist from New York City. He was charged in New York City courts (Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan) on counts of felony criminal mischief, possession of graffiti tools, and X., all relating to a search performed on his home in New York City in late 2006.

Alain Maridueña’s arrest had come in the context of a growing anti-graffiti sentiment in city government due to the growing gentrification of New York City and as part of the Mayor Bloomberg’s quality of life push, one started by former Mayor Rudy Giuliani. Alain’s arrest appears to be politically motivated attack for his involvement with Marc Ecko and Ecko’s successful lawsuits against the city of New York in order to hold a graffiti event and repealing a spray paint sales ban to 18 year olds. Many consider the charges against Alain excessive.

Alain’s court cases are ongoing and his family and friends will be raising funds to pay his legal defense, setting up public events to educate people about the incarceration of artists, and providing financial, logistical, and legal support to Alain throughout his proceedings.

For more information visit www.supportket.org and www.thewallsbelongtous.com