it's ok, it's only art

Sometimes all you need is permit to get yourself in business. This handy "official permit" when prominently displayed can assauge any fears that others might have when it comes to whether or not you should be doing what you're doing.

Perhaps if artist, Duke Riley, would have displayed one of these permits on his rogue submarine, The Acorn, modeled after the Revolutionary War sub The Turtle, and looking remarkably like a harbor mine, instead of a wielding a Budweiser tallboy when he emerged in front of the Queen Mary II, then the New York City Police Department, the U.S. Coast Guard, and the Dept. of H.S. would have reacted differently rather than arresting Mr. Riley under the guise of 'marine mischief.'

Remember though, unless your permit is signed by the Minister of Information, it's not official. So apply for yours today. Only $99 postage paid. And guaranteed official.

Photos: Upper, courtesy of m.o.i.
Lower, Damon Winter for the New York Times.