Crusading climate activists targeted the renowned “Little Dancer Aged Fourteen” sculpture in Washington D.C. on Thursday when they smeared its glass case and pedestal with black and red paint.
The two protesters were hauled off by police inside the National Gallery of Art following their high-profile publicity stunt against artist Edgar Degas’ piece of art Thursday morning, according to footage posted on social media.
The museum had to close the gallery where “Little Dancer” was located, and adjacent rooms as the director of the National Gallery of Art, Kaywin Feldman slammed the two protesters.
“We unequivocally denounce this physical attack on one of our works of art and will continue to share information as it becomes available,” she said in a statement, also noting the FBI is helping in the probe.
The two rabble-rousers were identified as Joanna Smith, 53, of New York City and Tim Martin, 54, of North Carolina by climate group Declare Emergency, the Washington Post reported.
Video released by the group shows the pair initially using their hands to paint the pedestal with Smith seen painting an unhappy face. Then they escalated to smearing paint on the protective glass to the shock of others in the gallery.
“Oh damn,” one witness can be heard saying as others took video and photos of the surreal moment.
The two quickly sat down and began preaching about their concerns over climate.
“We need our leaders to take serious action, to tell us the truth about what’s happening with the climate,” Smith said.
Both protesters made it a point to say they have children.
“For our children we are worried like most of Americans about climate and about the biodiversity crisis,” Martin said.
The two were dragged to their feet and taken into custody as observers were told to stand back.
Smith, who lives in Brooklyn, declined comment when reached out to by The Post Thursday night.
“Little Dancer” was taken off display so staff could assess any potential damage.
The protest in DC is one of many to take place around the world where climate protesters target pieces of famous artwork including when they threw tomato soup at Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers” painting.
