Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change
The gallery will welcome Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change, an exhibition featuring portraits by Maine artist Robert Shetterly. On display from August 6 - September 25, 2026.
Presented by Heart of Ellsworth and the Frances Perkins Center in partnership with Americans Who Tell the Truth, the exhibition brings together twelve portraits honoring Maine women whose leadership, courage, creativity, and commitment to change have shaped communities across the state and beyond.
The women featured in the exhibition represent many different forms of public service, advocacy, scholarship, creativity, and civic leadership. Among them are Frances Perkins, the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet; Samantha Smith, the young peace activist whose letter to Soviet leader Yuri Andropov drew international attention; historian Heather Cox Richardson; Indigenous leader Sherri Mitchell, Weh’na Ha’mu Kwasset; state legislator Deqa Dhalac; and U.S. Senator Margaret Chase Smith.
Together, the portraits invite visitors to consider the many ways change takes shape, from grassroots organizing and public policy to education, art, diplomacy, and community leadership.
Opening Reception
The exhibition will open with a free public reception on Thursday, August 6, from 5 to 8 PM at the Makerspace at 16 State Street in downtown Ellsworth.
Community members are invited to explore the exhibition, spend time with the portraits, and learn more about the stories behind the women represented.
Exhibition Dates and Gallery Hours
Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change will remain on view from August 6 through September 25, 2026.
Gallery hours are:
Wednesdays, 10 AM to 2 PM
Fridays, 3 to 6 PM
Saturdays, 10 AM to 2 PM
Admission to the gallery is free.
Programs Throughout the Exhibition
A series of public programs will accompany the exhibition throughout August and September.
On August 11, the gallery will host a special portrait viewing followed by From Grassroots to Governance: How Maine Women Shape Policy and Community, a panel discussion exploring the role Maine women continue to play in civic life and public leadership.
On September 15, Art as the New Deal will examine how the vision of Frances Perkins and the Works Progress Administration extended relief beyond economic security by supporting artists and the creative spirit.
The exhibition programming will conclude on September 19 with Voices & Visions: An Art Making & Song Gathering for All Ages.
Additional details and registration information for these programs is available here.
About the Partners
The Frances Perkins Center is a nationally recognized cultural institution and the official philanthropic partner of the Frances Perkins National Monument in Newcastle, Maine. Its work preserves and shares the legacy of Frances Perkins while encouraging new generations to understand the role of government in advancing social justice and economic security.
Americans Who Tell the Truth is a portrait project created by artist Robert Shetterly. Through paintings and the words of their subjects, the project highlights individuals who have worked to confront injustice, strengthen democracy, and create meaningful social change.
Heart of Ellsworth supports downtown Ellsworth’s economic and cultural vitality through work in promotion, design, organization, and economic revitalization. The Makerspace at 16 State provides a downtown home for exhibitions, creative programming, workshops, rentals, and community gatherings.
Twelve Maine Women: Portraits of Change is sponsored by the Ellsworth Public Library and Susan and John Kirk.