Florida artist guilty in museum vase-smashing

MIAMI (AP) — A South Florida artist has pleaded guilty to a criminal mischief charge for smashing a vase that was part of a museum exhibit by noted Chinese dissident artist Ai Weiwei.

Maximo Caminero entered the plea Wednesday. He agreed to 18 months’ probation, payment of $10,000 restitution to an insurance company for the destroyed vase and 100 hours of community service at local art programs.

Caminero also issued a letter of apology. At the time, Caminero said he was protesting what he thought was lack of support for local artists by the new Perez Art Museum Miami. Caminero now says that was wrong.

The vase was one of 16 in an Ai installation at the museum.

Criminal mischief is a third-degree felony punishable by up to five years in prison.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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