Portrait Project: Honoring 250 Years of Changemakers in Boston

Frederick Douglass, one of the most photographed Americans in history, is a name many recognize. But what about Belinda Sutton or Edmonia Lewis? This exhibition invites visitors to discover the lives and legacies of individuals who may not appear in our textbooks but whose contributions helped shape the American story. Each teen artist from Artists for Humanity has chosen at least one figure who resonates with them personally, crafting thoughtful statements that highlight their connection to their subject. 

As we reflect on a nation’s fight for independence 250 years ago, we also look forward—through the eyes of these emerging artists—toward a future shaped by awareness, creativity, and the power of untold stories. 

View powerful paintings, digital prints, and drawings by young creators at the West End Museum, curated by Artists for Humanity. 

On View: October 14 – November 15, 2026