The Boston premiere of "Humor from my Pen," an exhibit of 30 political cartoons that illustrate the wit, humor and dignity of Gerardo Hernández, one of the Cuban Five will be on display from March 15^th to the 23^rd in the gallery at Arts at the Armory at 191 Highland Ave., located between Union & Davis Squares. 

The exhibit is sponsored by Arts at the Armory, The July 26^th Coalition and the International Committee for the Freedom of the Cuban 5.

The Cuban Five are political prisoners who have been incarcerated in the U.S. since 1998. The five Cuban intelligence officers were convicted of "conspiracy to commit espionage." The U.S. government never accused them of actual espionage. Current Director of National Intelligence, James Clapper, testified at the Miami trial that the Cuban Five presented no substantial threat to national security. Their only "crime" was monitoring violent paramilitary groups operating out of Miami, who were responsible for the deaths of over 3,000 Cubans.  Gerardo, who is serving two life sentences, turned to drawing these cartoons as a way to share his political views and creative energy.

The case has taken on international significance and was discussed last month in Havana by a high level Congressional delegation led by Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy and MA Congressman Jim McGovern. Some of the delegation met with families members of the five.

Former President Jimmy Carter has called for the release of the men, as has ten Nobel Laureates, Lawrence Wilkerson who was Colin Powell's Chief of Staff, and such U.S. celebrities as Danny Glover, Saul Landau, Martin Sheen, Bonnie Raitt, Ed Asner, Susan Sarandon and Mike Farrell.

On February 28, The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navanethem Pillay, expressed her support of actions in favor of the five Cuban anti-terrorist fighters and said she would do her best to find a solution to the case.

The Opening Reception will be Friday, March 15^th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Additional gallery hours are: 

Sat., March 16 9:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. (during Somerville Farmers' Market)

Tues., March 19 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Thurs., March 21 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Sat., March 23 9:30 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. (Farmers' Market open in the adjacent hall)

For more information about the Cuban Five: www.thecuban5.org

For directions to the Armory: www.artsatthearmory.org 617-718-2191

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