On June 4 the art of the incarcerated Cuban 5 patriot, Gerardo Hernandez, was inaugurated at the SPARC Gallery in Los Angeles, California in a show entitled "Humor From My Pen". The event coincided with the birthdays of Gerardo Hernandez and fellow Cuban 5 hero, Ramon Labañino and the International campaign "The 5th of each month for the Cuban 5".
 The SPARC Gallery, in the old jail of the city of Venice, opened its doors on Saturday June 4th to give life to the political cartoons of Gerardo Hernandez, one of the Five Heroes of the Republic of Cuba. Hernandez created the cartoons during long years of imprisonment in maximum security prisons in the United States. 

As Gerardo explained in his message to the audience "The cartoons that you are about to see were not made with the idea that some day they would be displayed all together in an art exhibit.  Amongst other things, I respond continuously to hundreds of solidarity letters and I do this work lacking the material and appropriate conditions of a real artist.  I am an art aficionado who draws cartoons out of necessity to express myself in a certain way.  This necessity is to send out a message to our people, or to express my perspective before different events such as the birthdays of someone who we admire or the death of a friend for example. That is what has motivated the work that you will be viewing today..."

As people entered the gallery they could observe a memorial honoring renowned civil right attorneyLeonard Weinglass, who was part of the legal team of the Five and who recently passed away.

The well-attended event also featured the artwork of Lalo Alcaraz, creator of the nationally syndicated daily cartoon "La Cucaracha"; Matt Wuerker, the Politico's editorial cartoonist and illustrator; Judy Baca and Emily Winters. Well known Spanish artist, and long time supporter of the Cuban 5, Paco Bernal, also contributed his work to the exhibit.  Part of the exhibit was an installation piece that imitated the prison space where Gerardo created his works. Gerardo is currently serving two unjust life sentences.

The evening program included an informational panel and a section of question and answers. Suzanne Thompson, from the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5 was the MC. Ms. Thompson gave a warm welcome to the public and thanked all of the individuals and organizations that made this cultural event possible.   

Debra Padilla, Executive Director of SPARC gave a warm introduction to Gerardo's cartoons and expressed  they were honored to offer the space for cultural expressions such as "Humor from my Pen". Alicia Jrapko, from the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5, presented an update of the case of the Cuban 5 and read a message from Gerardo Hernandez intended for the audience.  Jrapko spoke of the national and international campaigns in support of the Five and invited people to join in their struggle.  

Judy Baca, Artistic Director of SPARC, said that only the best cartoonist, such as Gerardo, can quickly take contemporary issues such as these and find the absurdity in them.  Carol Wells, Founder and Executive Director of the Center for the Study of Political Graphics, said that throughout history the struggles for justice have always had a component of artistic expressions such as graphics, illustrations and murals.

Finally, Emily Winters, co-founder of the Venice Art Council, spoke about the importance of continuing to fight and defend our cultural organizations that are under serious danger of disappearing due to the economic crisis that is affecting all sectors of community programs.   

Audience sings "Happy Birthday" to Gerardo