# Devon Rodriguez: Art and Arrest at 14

> At 14, Devon Rodriguez was arrested for vandalism, now a Smithsonian-recognized artist.
- Title: Devon Rodriguez: Art and Arrest at 14 · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: At 14, Devon Rodriguez was arrested for vandalism, now a Smithsonian-recognized artist. Devon Rodriguez, 30, was arrested for vandalism at age 14 but became…
- Keywords: devon rodriguez, smithsonian national portrait gallery, work in progress, subway portraits, oprah winfrey, joe biden, armani, nfl, Devon, Rodriguez, Art, Arrest
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/at-14-he-was-arrested-for-his-artyears-later-the-smithsonian-called-12455116
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: devon rodriguez, smithsonian national portrait gallery, work in progress, subway portraits, oprah winfrey, joe biden, armani, nfl
## Devon Rodriguez
Devon Rodriguez, 30, is an emerging big shot in the art world with a Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery accolade and a memoir.
## Arrest at 14
Rodriguez was arrested for vandalism at age 14 after getting confident with graffiti canisters.
## Early Art Struggles
He turned to art as an escape from abusive home life and was rejected from the High School of Art and Design.
## Subway Portraits
Rodriguez spent years drawing strangers on New York's subway, later filming videos that went viral.
## Viral Success
His subway portrait videos exploded on social media, leading to a solo exhibition and international recognition.
## Memoir Release
Rodriguez's memoir 'Work in Progress' will soon be available, exploring his life and art journey.
## Key takeaway

Devon Rodriguez, 30, was arrested for vandalism at age 14 but became a Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery finalist after years of art practice.