Defending Democracy
Project History
In the summer of 2020, in COVID isolation, like everyone else, I witnessed the escalation of social and political strife across the United States. It seemed our country was in crisis. For the first time in my life, I feared for our democracy.
As an artist, I was moved to action.
First steps
I was determined to soften the antipathy, build bridges between communities and remind my fellow citizens that freedom and democracy rise from commitment and sacrifice.
Around the same time, I was learning about the military from a multi-generation military family, while in my studio, I was experimenting with painting camouflage patterns and women’s faces.
I knew I was onto something.
Our military women volunteer to risk their lives to protect our freedom, our democracy, and our Constitution.
I would honor them by painting their portraits.
What better example of patriotism and sacrifice than the women who are willing to give their lives to protect us?
Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being.
—Eleanor Roosevelt
Scherl meeting Vice Admiral Nora Tyson (Ret.) Arizona, May 2021
Defending Democracy
This project is about awakening the personal responsibility that comes with freedom.
Very quickly I learned my canvases could not tell the whole story.
As much as I loved painting portraits, their stories demanded a larger platform.
This is when Sisters in Arms, the documentary series, was born.
Eleanor Roosevelt also said,
“In the final analysis, a democratic government represents the sum-total of the courage and the integrity of its individuals.”
As this documentary series demonstrates, these women exemplify courage and integrity.
Sisters in Arms
Sisters in Arms is already changing the relationship America has with its military. “I had no idea,” is a common reaction when clips of our film are screened. Respect and admiration are another.
Sisters in Arms will change the way America sees itself.
These women are America at its best.
They give us reason to be proud.
Scherl with Captain Michele Shallip and crew members of the USCGC Healy, Seattle, WA, December, 2024
The USCGC Healy, offshore Nome, AK, June 28, 2025
We are currently in post-production.
