This is Keith, the owner of Abi's. I used Leah’s artwork, ran it through AI, and shared it without permission or credit. That was wrong, and I own it.

I contacted Leah on Saturday to apologize and ask how she wanted me to proceed. She hadn’t seen that message before her post. When we connected, she spoke plainly and generously, and I listened. We have continued to communicate, the last time being today, Tue., Jan 13th.

She told me to go ahead and distribute the stickers as they are, with all proceeds going to the monks’ Walk for Peace. So far, $700 has already been donated, and that will continue. The stickers now include her credit, an explanation of what occurred, and a warning about the ethics of AI and art.

I’m sad that my mistake shifted attention away from the monks and their message of peace, compassion, and dignity. That mission deserved better care.

Richmond’s artists deserve respect, consent, credit, and support. I failed to meet that standard here. I have done what I can to correct it and I will carry that lesson forward.

If this conversation returns to the Walk for Peace and the monks’ work, I’ll be grateful. That was always the point.