Valentino Dixon had never stepped foot on a golf course, but the sport, quite literally, saved his life.
In 1991, Valentino Dixon was wrongfully convicted of murder and sent to jail for 40 years. When the prison doors slid shut and left him locked in his cell, he was faced with a choice — to get busy dying or get busy living. Valentino chose to live.
When the prison warden noticed that Valentino had a talent for art, he gave him a picture of a famous golf hole for him to draw. From there, he was hooked. Valentino, who had never even stepped foot on a golf course began drawing images of some of the world's most amazing courses.
He also began to read Golf Digest. One day, he found a column called "Golf Saved My Life" and reached out to the editorial director, Max Adler. Adler, in turn, wrote an article about Dixon's plight and that simple act sparked national interest. Students from Georgetown University began to investigate his case and the Golf Channel profiled him. What they found was astonishing.
Just two days after Valentino was arrested, another man, Lamar Scott, confessed to the murder. Yet, authorities discounted his confession and instead pursued Dixon. Over the following three decades Scott would continue to confess, at least 10 times in total. But nobody paid attention until the national spotlight was on the New York justice system for their disgusting miscarriage of justice.
Then, last month, after being provided with ample, hard evidence of his innocence, Velnitino's conviction was vacated and he was released from prison after spending 27 years behind bars. Now at 48, this talented artist, who can contribute his freedom to his love for drawing the fairways and golf holes, has his whole life ahead of him.
We think a great way to help Valentino get even more exposure and help him make a living out of his passion is to invite him to hold an art exhibit at next year's Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club.
Life after prison is never easy, and often the state refuses to help you get back on your feet, even when the person is innocent. There is no doubt Mr. Dixon will go places, but why not give him a little help?
Sign the petition and ask Billy Payne, chairman of Augusta National Golf Club, to invite Valentino Dixon to have a solo art exhibit at next year's Masters.
