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January 8, 2025Americans Who Tell the Truth Exhibit
Albany Institute of History & Art presents Americans Who Tell the Truth, an exhibition of over 40 portraits by acclaimed artist Robert Shetterly (b. 1946), on view from February 1 through July 20, 2025. The exhibition features individuals throughout American history who Shetterly deems exemplify courageous citizenship, democratic ideals, and commitment to the common good.
Since 2002, Shetterly has painted portraits celebrating “truth-tellers”—individuals who represent the enduring values of civil rights, social and environmental justice, the arts, and the humanities. Shetterly states that, “neither democratic society nor life on Earth will survive if we cannot put long-term good ahead of short-term profit and power by telling the truth about who we are and what needs to be done for a just and equitable future.” Each portrait is painted on wood panel and features a quote from the subject etched into the surface, inviting viewers to reflect and spark dialogue. Shetterly has produced 275 portraits and the series is ongoing.
The portraits on view span generations, from historic icons like abolitionist John Brown (1800–1859) and civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks (1913–2005), to contemporary advocates with connections to the region, such as food justice activist Leah Penniman (b. 1980), based in Grafton, NY, and folk legend and environmentalist Pete Seeger (1919–2014). Curator Diane Shewchuk hopes the subjects and their stories will appeal to diverse audiences. Shewchuk echoes the quote by artist and educator Natasha Mayers, whose portrait is included in the exhibition: “We need artists to help explain what is happening in this country, to tell the truth and reveal the lies, to be willing to say the emperor has no clothes, to create moral indignation, to envision alternatives, to reinvent language. We need artists to help us come together and share our voices and build community around powerful issues concerning our roles in the world…” This selection of 42 portraits reflects Shetterly’s commitment to showcasing individuals who challenge injustices, champion civil liberties, and inspire others to act. “By bringing Robert Shetterly’s portraits to Albany, we aim to spark important conversations about courage, integrity, and the power of individuals to shape history and the present,” says Kayla Carlsen, Executive Director, Albany Institute of History & Art.
In conjunction with the exhibition, Albany Institute will host screenings of Truth Tellers, an award winning documentary chronicling the lives of several individuals featured in Shetterly’s portraits, as well as providing insights into the artist’s creative process and motivation. Additional educational programs, workshops, and events for school groups, families, and adults will be offered throughout the duration of the exhibition, which runs through July 20, 2025.
Americans Who Tell the Truth is complemented by Portrait Pairings, an exhibition of portraits juxtaposed with related objects drawn from Albany Institute’s permanent collection, showcasing the depth and diversity of the museum’s holdings.
For more information about the exhibition and programming, please visit www.albanyinstitute.org/exhibition/awtt.
