Americans Who Tell the Truth (AWTT) is a nonprofit arts and education organization based in the United States, founded in 2002 by artist Robert Shetterly. The organization is dedicated to promoting civic engagement, social justice, democracy, and environmental stewardship through the integration of art, history, education, and community involvement.
The AWTT project began as a personal artistic endeavor following the September 11 attacks. Shetterly created a series of portraits depicting individuals he regarded as "truth-tellers," who exemplified civic courage. This initiative evolved into a formal nonprofit organization in 2004, broadening its scope through traveling exhibitions and partnerships with educational institutions.[1][2][3]
A portrait of Martin Luther King Jr. painted by AWTT artist Robert Shetterly. A quote by King is scratched into the canvas, it reads: "Non-violence is a powerful and just weapon ... which cuts without wounding and ennobles the man who wields it. It is a sword that heals."
Portraits
AWTT's collection comprises over 280 oil portraits painted on wood panels, each accompanied by a quotation from the subject. Notable figures featured in the collection include activists, educators, and community leaders such as Martin Luther King Jr., Shannon Watts, James Baldwin, Joanna Macy, and Richard Blanco. The portraits serve as a visual representation of those who have made impactful contributions to society.[4][5]
Founder/Artist
Robert Shetterly, a painter and activist based in Maine, is the founder of Americans Who Tell the Truth. His personal commitment to social justice and civic engagement is reflected in his artistic practice.[6][7][8]
Mission & Education
The mission of AWTT is to foster democratic values and civic participation through art and education. The organization integrates Shetterly's portraits into lesson plans, storytelling projects, and public programs. These programs aim to facilitate community discovery and emphasize the role of history in shaping individuals' lives.[9][10][11][12]
Portrait of Robin Wall Kimmerer by AWTT artist Robert Shetterly. A quote scratched into the canvas reads: "If citizenship is a matter of shared beliefs, then I believe in the democracy of species. If citizenship means an oath of loyalty to a leader, then I choose the leader of the trees. If good citizens agree to uphold the laws of the nation, then I choose natural law, the law of reciprocity, of regeneration, of mutual flourishing."
Documentary
The documentary Truth Tellers (2021),[17] directed by Richard Kane, profiles Shetterly and the AWTT project, featuring interviews with subjects and footage from exhibitions. The film was distributed nationally by PBS and widely reviewed[18][19]
Exhibitions
AWTT portraits have been exhibited across more than 25 states in various venues, including schools, libraries, churches, and museums. Exhibitions include:
A portrait of Woody Guthrie by AWTT artist Robert Shetterly. A quote by Guthrie scratched into the canvas reads: "One bright sunny morning in the shadow of the steeple / By the relief office I saw my people / As they stood hungry, I stood there wondering if / This land was made for you and me."
Robert Shetterly and AWTT have received multiple accolades, including:[37]
Rising Tide Award from the Maine People's Alliance (2005)
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