Americans Who Tell the Truth showcases a selection of portraits by Robert Shetterly (b. 1946), featuring individuals throughout U.S. history who exemplify courageous citizenship and democratic ideals. The exhibition comprises 42 portraits, many with connections to the region, including abolitionist John Brown (1800–1859), Indigenous human rights advocate Oren Lyons (b. 1930), Grafton, NY-based food justice activist and author of Farming While Black Leah Penniman (b. 1980), and folk legend and environmental activist Pete Seeger (1919–2014). In addition, Shetterly painted a new portrait of Dr. Alice P. Green (1940–2024), joining the pantheon of more than 275 illustrious Americans in the series. The portrait of Dr. Green will be on view in the exhibition at the Institute starting May 29, 2025.
This collection of individuals—from historic to contemporary, young and old, famous and relatively unknown—expresses the enduring values of civil rights, social justice, the arts, and the humanities through Shetterly’s inspiring depictions. The artist paints his striking portraits on wood panels and etches a quote by the subject onto the surface, inviting viewers to reflect on their words and spark further dialogue.
Featured portraits include Ella Baker, Medea Benjamin, Bill Bigelow, Grace Lee Boggs, John Brown, Nancy Carlsson-Paige, Paul K. Chappell, Maulian Bryant (Dana), V (Eve Ensler), Dr. Paul Farmer, Elizabeth Mumbet Freeman, Dolores Volk, Alicia Garza, Joan Gussow, Harry Hay , Charles Hamilton Houston, Harriet Jacobs, Van Jones, Mother Jones , Kelsey Juliana, Maja Kazazic, Marjorie Kelly, Oren Lyons, Jane Mayer, Natasha Mayers, Colman McCarthy, Betty Morgan, Bill Moyers, John Muir, Bree Newsome, Rosa Parks, Alice Paul, Leah Penniman, Sister Helen Prejean, Cecile Richards, Bayard Rustin, Pete Seeger, Frank Serpico, Helen Thomas, Baldemar Velasquez, Robin Wall Kimmerer, Henry A. Wallace, Rev. Lennox Yearwood
Americans Who Tell the Truth is complemented by Portrait Pairings, an exhibition of portraits from the Albany Institute of History & Art’s collection, representing the breadth and richness of the museum’s holdings. The exhibitions will be on view at the Albany Institute of History & Art from February 1 to July 20, 2025.
Major exhibition support provided by Times Union.
