The Art of Saving Democracy

As we mark America’s 250th anniversary during a time of deep division and anxiety, we ask: Who are we becoming as a nation? In the premiere launch event for The Art of Saving Democracy: An Action Kit for Making Change, a civic-engagement toolkit created by People For the American Way, celebrated artist Vincent Valdez joins Debbie Millman—host of the Design Matters podcast and professor at the School of Visual Arts—for a timely conversation about the forces shaping our American identity, the stakes for freedom of expression, and what history can teach us about how to meet this moment. They’ll also reflect on Valdez’s artistic practice, how he bears witness to the world around him, and what drives his large-scale representational paintings and murals, recently the subject of a major survey at Mass MoCA. Acclaimed actor Kathleen Turner, a longtime board member of People For the American Way Foundation, will offer opening remarks.

Bringing together art and action, The Art of Saving Democracy invites more Americans to take part in strengthening our democracy and shaping our future. Alongside contributions from Valdez and Millman, it includes work by Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Carrie Mae Weems, Shepard Fairey, Deborah Kass, Beverly McIver, Cleon Peterson, and more, with a foreword by Academy Award–winner Jamie Lee Curtis. The book pairs these art pieces with practical tools—from contacting elected officials to placing op-eds, protesting safely, and organizing with others.

About People For the American Way

People For the American Way is a national progressive advocacy organization that inspires and mobilizes Americans to defend freedom, justice, and democracy from those who threaten to take them away. For more than four decades, we have been dedicated to making the promise of American ideals real for everyone and have worked toward a vision of a vibrant America where basic rights and freedoms are upheld for all, not just the wealthy and the powerful. Learn more at peoplefor.org.

Tickets start at $25. Add a copy of the book during checkout for an additional $26.