As a social-justice themed art gallery that uplifts and highlights artists of marginalized identities and oppressed nationalities, we are unequivocal supporters of one of our city’s best artists, and one of our gallery’s favorite artists, Vernon T. Bateman. We urge everyone who supports and has attended any event at the Fonseca-Du Bois Gallery to sign the petition demanding his immediate exoneration. You can visit the Coalition to Free Vernon T. Bateman, a fellow member-organization of the Indianapolis Liberation Center, as well as Baby22GunSafetyLLC.com, one of Vernon’s many endeavors to benefit our community.
We also encourage you to:
- Book Vernon to speak at your event
- Commission a personalized piece of art
- Buy his children’s books
- Make a donation to his legal fund
- Follow his artist account on instagram
About Vernon T. Bateman
Vernon T. Bateman was first exposed to art by his grandfather, Bill Franklyn. Growing up in Gary, Indiana well after the rust settled in, Franklyn made ends meet through art: he was a painter, poet, a framer, and more.
Bateman is excited to speak about his grandfather but hesitates when asked about his own trajectory. He remembers how, at 11-years-old he won his school‘s “best art poster board for Gary firefighters“ contest. Then, he mentions that he learned to draw before he learned how to read. Perhaps that’s one reason his entrance into the art world came in the form of “Mommy I Want 2 Fly,“ the first of several children‘s books he wrote and illustrated.
Bateman’s first public show brought out dozens of community members representing a cross-section of our city, including faith leaders, community organizers, artists, and passersby. They were gathered for official unveiling of Bateman’s first murals painted for The District Theatre titled, “The Eclipse Murals.” Since then, Bateman has produced two additional series of murals for the District Theatre in addition to a solo exhibition in July 2024 and numerous group shows.
No one taught Bateman how to read or write until he was an adult. When he did learn, it wasn‘t in a school but in a prison. Incarcerated for a crime he didn‘t commit at the age of 18, he made children‘s books for his own daughter; it was the only way to parent her after a drunk driver killed her mom. Despite the alleged victim recanting their testimony in 2003 and the family pleading for his exoneration, he wasn’t released until last year.
Yet the artist of these works is still not free. Despite overwhelming evidence of his innocence, he hasn’t been exonerated. In February 2025, Congressman André Carson wrote a letter that read, in part:
“Vernon’s work is a powerful reflection of his unwavering commitment to social justice, offering both a challenge and a solution to the injustices we face. His ability to turn adversity into such inspiring and impactful art is truly exceptional.
I am proud to have supported Vernon throughout his journey, advocating for his freedom and recognition. His strength and dedication continue to inspire all of us, and it has been a privilege to stand with him.”
We also consider it a privilege to stand with him and will do all that we can to bring justice to this kind human being who does nothing but make positive contributions to our community.
Three-Part Documentary Series on Vernon T. Bateman
Beginning April 30 and October 02, 2024, the Indianapolis Liberation Center produced a short documentary series on Vernon’s struggle. The first two focus primarily on the innumerable injustices Vernon faced at trial and during appeals, as well as how he managed to take thisi grave injustice and produce beautiful works that make our world a better place, the third takes us to witness Vernon giving four lectures in a single day at DePauw University, one of the top 50 National Liberal Arts Colleges in the U.S.
Vernon’s Art-Works
Featured photo: Vernon T. Bateman records a video podcast for the Dr. Meleeka Clary Show. Due to his unconstitutional parole stipulations, Vernon is not allowed to access the internet. Credit: Indianapolis Liberation Center.
