Using the power of art to illuminate the ongoing struggle to realize America's democratic ideals and model the commitment to act for the common good.
Americans Who Tell the Truth
We are dedicated to the belief that a profound understanding of citizenship is the only safeguard of democracy and the best defense of social, racial, economic, and environmental justice. Working with our portraits and narratives of courageous citizens, Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) crafts collaborative educational and community experiences that illuminate the ongoing struggle to realize America’s democratic ideals and model the commitment to act for the common good.
By The Numbers
Portraits
Painted
Painted
0
Students Participated
in the Samantha Smith Challenge
in the Samantha Smith Challenge
0
Books Published
0
States Have
Hosted Portrait Exhibits
Hosted Portrait Exhibits
0
Countless New Activists Inspired
Programs
AWTT has a wide range of educational and community offerings. From elementary schools to graduate programs, AWTT’s mission is to use the portraits of these courageous activists as learning opportunities that encourage everyone to become engaged citizens as they address issues of social, racial, environmental, and economic justice. AWTT offers workshops, speaking engagements, and lesson plans and encourages schools, universities, and communities to host portrait exhibits. AWTT offers lessons and themed exhibits around environmental justice, civil rights, the media, indigenous issues, women’s rights, and much more.
Education
AWTT harnesses the power of teaching social justice through the arts and helps students learn to become courageous, engaged citizens.
Exhibits & Community Engagement
AWTT portraits inspire a future of active citizenship in your community, and they are available for an exhibit at your institution or in your community.
“AWTT is able to ‘story’ American social justice advocates that celebrate and bring them to life for generations to come.”
Bill Bigelow
Zinn Education Project Director
Shop
Shop AWTT products – prints, t-shirts, mugs, and more – to support education and community programming for Americans Who Tell the Truth. Know that you are helping inspire citizenship, activism, and work for the common good.Upcoming Events
Robert Shetterly: Earth Day Speaker
Join Waterville Creates and Third Act for an inspiring evening with renowned artist Robert Shetterly. As the founder of Americans Who Tell the Truth, Shetterly has spent over twenty years painting portraits of individuals who exemplify courageous citizenship, capturing the stories of those who have made a lasting impact on
What's New
A Journey of Peace and Friendship
The Land Peace Foundation, founded by Sherri Mitchell Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset, is organizing a week-long walk, beginning on the banks of the Penobscot River and ending
April 11, 2025
Artist Robert Shetterly’s post-election interview in Atlantic City
In November 2024 – just days after the national election – AWTT artist Robert Shetterly was interviewed by journalist Steve Adubato in Atlantic City at
March 24, 2025
Enter MY HERO Project’s Student Portrait Contest
The MY HERO Project has opened its invitation to enter the 2025 Robert Shetterly Portrait Contest. Submissions are due by May 1, 2025. Students of
March 14, 2025