Donald Verger
But what, he wondered, if he were poor? Homeless? Not Caucasian? Uneducated?”
I don’t know that that person would be out of jail and not prosecuted for a crime they did not commit,” he said. The incident inspired Donald to raise money for The Innocence Project. One hundred percent of the proceeds from a past art show sponsored by Donald were donated to The Innocence Project based in New York City.
“IP” provides pro bono post-conviction legal assistance to persons whose claims of innocence might be proven by DNA testing. So far, it has exonerated over 200 people. The Innocence Project has been his new cause since the incident.
Donald Verger bears no grudge against the Portland police department for his arrest on December 31st, despite his ordeal. They were doing their job he says and the public needs to know that. But this traumatic event has changed his life forever. How could it not? I am grateful to have met Donald Verger, to learn of his story, and most of all his great works, as well as his stunning art.
Donald Verger is the Founder and President Emeritus of the Children’s Discovery Museum and the Science Discovery Museum, both in Massachusetts.
You may view Donald’s art here: http://www.donaldverger.com
