University of Southern Maine

The Exhibition

After September 11, 2001, artist Robert Shetterly channeled his anger and grief into a series of portraits that has now grown to over 100. Shetterly says, “In the process of creating these portraits, my respect and love for these people and their courage helped to transform that anger into hope and pride and allowed me to draw strength from this community of truth tellers, finding in them the courage, honesty, tolerance, generosity, wisdom, and compassion that have made our country strong. One lesson that can be learned from all of these Americans is that the greatness of our country frequently depends not on the letter of the law, but the insistence of a single person that we adhere to the spirit of the law.”

The exhibition, Americans Who Tell the Truth, continues to grow and now travels around the country to museums, churches, universities, schools, and other community sites. Shetterly includes historical figures as well as contemporary Americans, whose words and actions are familiar, and those who have worked quietly. They come from diverse backgrounds: impoverished to privileged, illiterate to educated. Their differences seem greater than their similarities. But what holds them together is a willingness to participate in the world, to improve it, and to stand up for what Shetterly calls “the promise of America.” Physicians, scientists, politicians, artists, writers, and advocates for civil liberties, labor, economic, and environmental rights all have places in the exhibit. All have had a profound impact on American life.

Shetterly intends to remind people of the dignity, courage, and importance of some of American’s “truth tellers” and-whether or not viewers agree with a particular subject’s point of view-to create a dialogue that will inspire discussion on which truths we value most as citizens in a democracy. He feels that when Americans stop knowing their history, the result is “a flat world that has no role models and no citizenship.” Americans Who Tell the Truth, however, is more than a history lesson. It is a thought-provoking challenge for us to consider our own values, respect those who stand up for what they believe, and take responsibility for our citizenship.
Shetterly speaks about the portraits to groups ranging from elementary students in Milo, Maine, to the congregation at Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. His words and experiences reinforce the exhibition, but mostly offer an opportunity for audiences to reflect on ideas of truth and what we value as citizens in a democracy. When Shetterly spoke to a group of 4th graders, he asked them to think about the simple concept of “what is fair” when they looked at the portraits and biographies. It is a powerful reminder that teaching democracy, environmental issues, civil rights, and justice start with the concept of fairness.

Designed for a young adult audience, his book Americans Who Tell the Truth was published by Dutton in May, 2005. A curriculum guide for students is available at the exhibition website: www.americanswhotellthetruth.org

Back

 

 

©1996-2008 The University of Southern Maine
51 Westminster Street Lewiston, Maine 04240 USA
Tel (207)753-6500 / Fax (207)753-6555 / TTY (207)753-6511
USM Toll Free 1-800-800-4USM

For further information or problems with this page, please EMAIL US