Market 5 Gallery needs your support NOW! For over 30 years Market 5 Gallery has operated in the north hall of Washington, DC's historic Eastern Market as an alternative art space. Despite the fact that the space has no indoor plumbing or climate control, this non profit arts organization has thrived and launched many a career in the arts. A few years ago, Market 5 went to court to fight an illegal eviction by the city. The case was settled out of court but the rent was raised almost 10 fold with the promise of indoor plumbing, heat, an upgraded electrical system and other improvements to bring the entire market up to code. Now that improvements are underway on the south hall of the market, the city has stepped up their bullying and harassment and is trying to illegally evict Market 5 Gallery again.
1) sign the eviction protest petition (http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/savemarket5gallery/) 2) contact the mayor and city council persons to express your outrage (mayor's contact info is displayed in the video) 3) join us for a rally and petition signing at Market 5 on Saturday, December 15 at 1 pm. 4) help us spread the word even if you can't make it to the rally. Post it on your blog, e-mail and call friends.
OPM thinks we'll keep our mouths shut and leave. We're not doing either. We're going back to court to fight the new eviction notice and the put an end to bullying, harassment and spread of falsehoods by OPM, its contractors and special interest groups.
Please read the Save Market 5 webpage (http://market5gallery.org/save_gallery.htm ) as well as the depositions that have been posted online for more info on Market 5's legal battle with DC's Office of Property Management. It's a lot of reading but you'll begin to understand the hostility the gallery has faced in dealing with OPM and EMCAC. Thanks in advance for your whole hearted support.
