Defending Democracy in the media
January 2025
Mary Ellen Scherl: Art with Backstories
by ArtSpeak
“The work I make calls up our stories, and memory — both collective and personal.”
March 6, 2023
ArtSouth and village to host Mary Ellen Scherl exhibition
by Miami Community News
“I’m trying to sort of recenter the conversation to soften the antipathy between opposing points of view and remind people that there’s nothing more valuable than this free land and democratic republic. These women are willing to risk their lives to protect it.”
February 2022
Miami Herald Weekend Magazine Cover
by The Miami Herald
Miami artist Mary Ellen Scherl has created the multimedia project “Defending Democracy: Portraits of U.S. Military Women on Canvas and Film,” which celebrates women in the Armed Forces through paintings, podcasts and a documentary series. Female members of the military — both active duty and veterans — can talk about any part of their military experience. “We’ve gotten so many fabulous stories of these dynamic women,” she said, adding that in honor of the project the festival is offering $10 off ticket price if you show a military ID.
February 17, 2022
Local artist invites military women to tell their story at this year's Coconut Grove Arts Festival
by WPLG Local 10 – ABC Miami
February 15, 2022
The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Returns this Weekend
by The Miami Herald
Artist Mary Ellen Scherl will display her exhibit, “Defending Democracy: Portraits of U.S. Military Women on Canvas and Film,” at the Coconut Grove Arts Festival this weekend.
February 2022
Mary Ellen Scherl at Coconut Grove Arts Festival
by South Florida Gay News
“Seeing the escalation of social and political strife across the United States, for the first time in my life I feared for our democracy. I wondered if, through my art, I could soften the antipathy, build bridges between communities, and remind my fellow citizen that freedom and democracy rise from commitment and sacrifice.”
December 12, 2021
Reflection of Miami Art Week 2021
by Irene Sperber for miamiartzine
“Three days before the suicide bombing at the Kabul airport that killed thirteen Service Members including two female Marines, I woke up worrying about one of the women featured in my Defending Democracy paintings.” Scherl shared, ultimately writing a heartfelt poem, a lament put to music. All in attendance at last weeks’ opening listened raptly to the military women speak of their experiences. Sobering.
For information about our mission and projects as well as potential interviews contact:
Mary Ellen Scherl
info@usmilitarywomen.org