Defending
Democracy
Portraits of U.S. Military Women
on Canvas and Film
on Canvas and Film
Founded 2021
Sisters in Arms
A Documentary Series
Real women. Real military missions. In real time. With unknown outcomes.
Watch the final vlog from our USCGC Healy mission.
Our Mission
Our mission is to honor and recognize the critical contributions women make to the defense of our country and the sanctity of our nation.
With film and portraiture…
- We offer a platform for their stories
- We advance a narrative that strengthens their role within the military
- We help bridge the Military-Civilian gap.
Aside from news reports on incidences of Military Sexual Trauma, most Americans know very little about our Women in the military. While there is truth to these reports, in a vacuum they reinforce weakness, victimhood and further undermine the role of women in the military.
We are changing the narrative.
Defending Democracy began as a series of contemporary portraits representing a cross section of services, ranks, experiences and issues.
Our project has grown to include documentary film portraying the lives of servicewomen as they perform mission-critical duties on and behind the frontlines of national security.
Honest. Bold. Often surprising. Sometimes funny. Always humane. These dedicated women mirror all Americans. Their stories reveal grit, patriotism and sacrifice. They give us reason to be proud.
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 documentary films explore the powerful, historic, and often unsung stories of women who with honor and courage volunteer to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.
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!