Portraits
of U.S. Military Women on Canvas and Film
Defending Democracy is a multimedia endeavor, honoring the sacrifices and contributions of women who volunteer to serve and to defend of our democratic values.
Who are these women?
Why do they do what they do?
What are they willing to give their lives for?
Through portraiture, film and podcasts, we raise their voices onto a national platform. Their stories are collected and preserved for our daughters and sons and future generations, so that we, and they, may have an accurate, first-hand depiction of our nation’s history.
Defending Democracy began as a series of contemporary portraits representing a cross section of services, ranks, experiences and issues. An exhibition of the paintings is enriched by the authentic voice recordings of each woman.
In a short while our project has grown to include podcasts and film portraying their battles on and off the field while breaking the “brass” ceiling, female “firsts”, deployments, heroism and heartache, combat, PTSD, physical disabilities, sexual assault and harassment.
Honest. Bold. Often surprising. Sometimes funny. Always human.
Stories of Honor & Sacrifice
PAINTINGS
A series of contemporary portraits of women who exemplify the commitment and sacrifice required to protect our country, our Constitution and our freedom.
FILM
Our film works explore the powerful, historic, and often unsung stories of women who with honor and courage volunteer to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
PODCASTS
Defending Democracy offers a platform for female service members to tell their stories —interview style— in a new podcast series called “Ma’am…may I speak freely?”
Community awareness
Sharing our Message
Bridging the civilian-military gap is the point! See what we are doing on the local level, at schools, art fairs and with citizen organizations.
“These women are willing to give their lives to protect our freedom, our democracy and our Constitution.
By example, their lives beg the question,
'Am I doing my part?'"
Mary Ellen Scherl,
Artist and founder of defending democracy
Be part of our mission
Ways to Get Involved...
CALLING ALL MILITARY WOMEN Are you a female service member, active or veteran, with a story to tell? We want to hear from you!
THE CIVILIAN ROUTE Donors, sponsors and creative collaborators, we want to hear from you too!
Be part of our mission
Ways to Get Involved...
CALLING ALL MILITARY WOMEN Are you a female service member, active or veteran, with a story to tell? We want to hear from you!
THE CIVILIAN ROUTE Donors, sponsors and creative collaborators, we want to hear from you too!