Paul Smith’s, NY –Paul Smith’s College’s Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) today announced it will host a powerful and timely art exhibit, Americans Who Tell The Truth, featuring 28 portraits by renowned Maine-based artist and activist Rob Shetterly. The exhibit — which will be installed on Nov. 3, 2025, and on display until Nov. 30, 2025, in front of the Frank M. Hutchins Lodge — invites visitors of all ages to explore the lives and legacies of individuals who have courageously spoken out for truth, justice and the environment.
For over 20 years, Shetterly has painted more than 280 portraits of Americans who exemplify moral courage and active citizenship. From historical figures to contemporary activists, each portrait is accompanied by the subject’s own words, connecting their truth to the most pressing issues of our time. Portraits that will be on display at the VIC include environmentalist and author, Bill McKibben, as well as civil rights champions, Indigenous leaders and youth activists.
“Rob’s work has helped to shed light on the social, racial, environmental and economic justice issues that should be important to us all,” said Bill Brosseau, Director, VIC at Paul Smith’s College. “The VIC facilitates meaningful experiences for students and visitors alike, and hosting Americans Who Tell The Truth allows us to do just that, encouraging both groups to engage with powerful stories and reflect on how they can make a difference in their communities.”
The exhibit complements the VIC’s mission of connecting people to nature via observation, reflection and learning. Shetterly’s work has been exhibited in schools, museums, libraries and public spaces across the country. Visitors will be invited to explore the portraits at their own pace, with digital resources linking to in-depth biographies, videos and educational materials available through https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/.
In addition to the VIC, this special installation is presented in partnership with John Brown Lives!, a long-time collaborator of Shetterly’s. It represents the next phase of an ongoing effort to bring the full Americans Who Tell the Truth collection — over 280 works in total to the Adirondacks over the next two years.
“Americans Who Tell the Truth is a soul-stirring project and one that touches people of all ages, skills, interests and talents,” said Anna Forsman, John Brown Lives! Arts & Cultural Programming Director. “One of the most meaningful ways to connect with Rob’s portraits is by asking the simple question, ‘how am I similar to one of these truth-tellers? What do we have in common?”’
This exhibit invites the public to reflect on the intersections of social justice, environmental activism and civic responsibility — values that are central to Paul Smith’s College, Shetterly and John Brown Lives!
About Paul Smith’s College:
At Paul Smith’s College, it’s about the experience. As the only four-year college located in the Adirondack Park in upstate New York, Paul Smith’s provides real-world, hands-on learning in fields such as business and hospitality, culinary management, forestry, environmental sciences and natural resources. We are able to draw on industries and resources available in our own backyard while preparing students for successful careers anywhere. Our community of resourceful, enterprising, supportive and adventurous individuals collectively provide experiential education, student support in the classroom and beyond, and meaningful opportunities for our alumni. We pride ourselves on research and advocacy on issues that improve our planet and the lives of the people who inhabit it. Learn more at paulsmiths.edu.
About the Paul Smith’s College VIC:
The Paul Smith’s College VIC features more than 25 miles of trail and 3000 acres of Adirondack ecosystems. Its mission is to “facilitate place-based experiences through education, research, recreation and the arts” and regularly provides educational programs and events that help connect visitors and the community to our natural world.
About Americans Who Tell the Truth:
Founded by artist Rob Shetterly, Americans Who Tell the Truth is a portrait series and educational project celebrating individuals who model the courage to act for the common good. Through art and storytelling, the series sparks dialogue on democracy, equality, and justice.
About John Brown Lives!:
John Brown Lives! is a freedom education and human rights project based in Lake Placid, NY. Rooted in the legacy of abolitionist John Brown, JBL! connects past struggles for justice with today’s movements for human dignity and environmental stewardship
Contacts:
Bill Brosseau, Director, VIC, bbrosseau@paulsmiths.edu
Anna Forsman, Arts and Cultural Programming Director, John Brown Lives!, anna@johnbrownlives.org
