What defines a great American? For artist/activist Robert Shetterly, it’s a citizen who courageously confronts issues of social, environmental and economic fairness. Shetterly has painted 250 portraits of such Americans, past and present, with a quote inscribed into the dark background. These Americans Who Tell the Truth have been exhibited throughout the United States for almost two decades. Truth Tellers is both a story of Shetterly’s art and activism and a history lesson in what it means to be a citizen of a democracy. In bringing Shetterly’s message to a wide audience, Truth Tellers will spark a national conversation on truth telling.
TRUTH TELLERS is being produced under the fiscal sponsorship of the Union of Maine Visual Artists, a 501(c)(3) not for profit organization. All donations are tax deductible. You may donate online (above) or by check. Please make out checks to “UMVA - Truth Tellers” and mail to UMVA, c/o Jackie Bennett, Treasurer, PO Box 51, Walpole, ME 04573. To donate stock, call Kane-Lewis Productions 207-359-2320.
There’s still no clean water, reports Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, who sounded the alarm about the high presence of lead in Flint, MI drinking water. Other panelists are Richard Bowen, the Citibank whistle-blower, and Robert Shetterly.
“The greatest natural resource in the world is the unused and untapped potential residing in underserved, marginalized and low status communities. - Stephen Ritz”
Director Richard Kane and artist Robert Shetterly April 23 2019 on “Maine Arts Alive”
One of the most effective, charismatic teachers of our time, Stephen Ritz authored The Power of a Plant and created the Bronx Green Machine, an immersive whole-school curriculum that aligns the art and science of growing vegetables with daily academic instruction in all subject areas. Ritz believes his students shouldn't have to leave their community to live, learn and earn. In this clip from “Teachers Make a Difference” Ritz says: “The greatest teacher in my life is Robert Shetterly.”
Louis Clark, defender of whistle-blowers, discusses his work with Robert Shetterly.
Robert Shetterly speaks on militarism and climate change at the Good Life Center, June 10, 2019
Robert Shetterly’s portrait subject Richard Bowen, Citibank whistle-blower, discusses how “in the banking community there is no downside to fraud”.
This scene in the classroom of Professor Mara Sapon-Shevin reveals her ideas on American education and why Shetterly chose to paint her portrait. It also features educator/activist Bill Ayers.
Americans Who Tell the Truth at Syracuse University
The exhibit
Robert Shetterly speaks at Syracuse University
Shetterly’s portrait of Terry Tempest Williams being mounted.
James Clark, Professor of Theater Management at Syracuse University, addressing the gathering.
