The AWTT exhibit of all 275 portraits opened on November 15, 2024 at the Bates Mill Complex in Lewiston, Maine.

Artist Robert Shetterly was moved by the visual effect of all of his portraits on display in the beautifully renovated Bates Mill Complex atrium and credited Kevin Callahan for designing and hanging the show. In her introductory remarks, longtime Lewiston/Auburn area teacher Penny Dublin commented on the historic significance of the setting.

Doug Rawlings focused on six portraits that particularly resonate for him, as the founder of Veterans for Peace. Those include fellow Veterans for Peace colleagues: Colonel Ann Wright, Cindy Sheehan, Daniel Ellsberg and Philip Berrigan. He also highlighted the portrait of Howard Zinn, author of A People’s History of the United States, and young peace ambassador Samantha Smith.

Penobscot and Passamaquoddy tribal member and author of Sacred Instructions, Sherri Mitchell, noted the significance of Shetterly’s work: “He has done more for the advancement of women’s rights, black rights, indigenous rights, and environmental justice than any other person I know, and he has done that by amplifying the work of those who are doing that work in the world.” In a compelling address, Mitchell went on to challenge attendees to become “individually and collectively reflective.” She warned that the political divide and gamesmanship dominating our national culture is destroying us. At the same time, this opens up an opportunity and a necessity – for each of us to take steps to heal the divides and protect the vulnerable.

Portrait subject Charlie Clements drew from the Talmud: “Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly now, love mercy now, walk humbly now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.”

The portraits will be on display through December 14, 2024. The documentary film Truth Tellers will be shown on Saturdays at noon (11/30, 12/7 and 12/14). More details here

View video of opening reception