Welcome to an online collection of original visual art and original poetry exploring themes of democracy on America’s 250th Anniversary of the signing of The Declaration of Independence. An invitation went out this spring to the public requesting submissions of visual art and poetry on the themes and aspirations of American democracy, including freedom, equality, justice, and voting. Artists, Cecile Roberfroid, and Monique Robidoux, and I selected artworks. Poets, Melissa Joplin-Higley and Anne Graue selected poems. An invitation for short videos followed; available on THE ART OF DEMOCRACY youtube channel. Lauren Emerson, our website guru, brought together the art forms for this exhibition. Heartfelt thanks to Monique, Cecile, Melissa, Anne and Lauren.
THE ART OF DEMOCRACY in AMERICA at 250 offers perspective as much as it depends upon perspective. The visual art and poetry in the exhibition convey unique points of view about this momentous point in the American experience. The invitation for this show intentionally excluded from consideration submissions with a partisan bent, and submissions generated by artificial intelligence. The result reflects a celebration of the creative human spirit that provides a metaphorical mirror for every visitor. Gratitude goes out to our visual artists and poets for sharing their perspective so that we can add to our perspective of America at 250, and put our better foot forward. To learn more about each work or to make an art purchase, you can contact the poets and artists directly.
History reflects that the aspirations espoused in the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution wax and wane, advance and retreat. The potential for equality, liberty and justice ingrained in Americans’ DNA rallied champions of civil rights to achieve for men of color and women the right to vote; their devoted persistence gave rise to a more equitable application of the founders’ words “All men are created equal.”
Where to now, after 250? The art of democracy can help establish the common ground to carry on in the tradition of those who paid it forward for us; the art of democracy can help us to distill and live by our core values and give voice to the truth. America’s democracy of this moment needs the peaceful, persistent, powerful creativity we each bring to the experience: in words, on canvas, through photography, film, and song, as a personal contribution to our shared republic.We should set the bar high and pay it forward by mentoring others so they can create too.
As was done for us, we can carry on creating the American tapestry that honors the intentions behind freedom of expression, equality, liberty, and justice for all. How? We Vote. This fall, vote for representatives committed to upholding the Constitution and Americans’ right to reach our full potential.Look for more online exhibitions in the future from THE ART OF DEMOCRACY, including live music.
Thank you for visiting. Come back again, spread the word and let us hear from you: contact.artofdemocracy@gmail.com . — Elisabeth (Beth) Radow
