Join fellow MBA members for a virtual drawing lesson given by renowned artist and exoneree Valentino Dixon on Wednesday, April 6, from 6-7 p.m. In this hour-long session, Valentino will help us find our inner creative talent using standard colored pencils and paper, while sharing his story of resilience, faith and pursuing one’s passion. The only materials needed are drawing paper and any kind of colored pencils you'd like. Registration is free for all MBA members.

About Valentino

Valentino spent 27 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. Valentino struggled to adjust to life in prison, until he reconnected with his inner passion for art and drew from six to 10 hours a day. At one point, the warden at Attica Correctional Facility asked Valentino to draw the 12th hole of the legendary Augusta National Golf Club. Valentino, who had never set foot on a golf course and knew nothing about the sport, starting drawing images inspired by photos in the magazine Golf Digest. The next year, The Golf Channel ran a segment about Valentino’s case as well, gaining him – and his artistic talent – national attention. His story also got the attention of three Georgetown University undergraduate students who uncovered information critical to Valentino’s final appeal and release from prison.

Valentino is now an impassioned and compelling speaker on the subject of criminal justice reform, drawing heavily on his personal experience and knowledge of the system. His artwork also gained the attention of Michelle Obama who gifted Barack Obama a custom drawing of the 12th hole at Augusta National for Christmas in 2020. Valentino also recently authored the book, “The Soul of an Unfreed Man: Drawing My Way to Freedom.”

Space is limited. Attendees must register by 5 p.m., on Tuesday, April 5. 

Questions? Email Membership and Marketing Manager Heather Robertson at HRobertson@massbar.org.