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.

Join us for an opening reception on January 31, 5:30 – 7:30 and for a screening of the inspiring film Truth Tellers on February 2, 2:00- 3:00.

On May 29, Dr. Alice P. Green’s portrait – the latest of Shetterly’s works – will join the exhibit. A free public reception will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Institute to honor Green, who has been called Albany’s Mother Courage.

The exhibition features individuals throughout American history who Shetterly deems exemplify courageous citizenship, democratic ideals, and commitment to the common good. 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).

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.

To learn more details about the exhibit, listen to this 13-minute interview on local public radio station WAMC with AIHA Executive Director Kayla Carlsen and Curator Diane Shewchuk.

This longer video highlights AIHA’s partnership with the Sierra Club around this exhibit. Aaron Mair, fifty-seventh president of the Sierra Club, highlights the AWTT portrait of John Muir and Muir’s story as naturalist and as a founder of the Sierra Club.

“Americans Who Tell the Truth has tried to be a lantern that throws its light forward and back—knowing the truth of the past’s struggles for justice is essential to seeing clearly the obstacles and possibilities in the future.” —Robert Shetterly

Americans Who Tell the Truth will be complemented by 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.

For more details, including how to become a sponsor of this exhibit, visit the Institute’s website.