The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield will host a new art exhibition titled “Pillars of Democracy,” opening May 15. The show features mixed-media portraits by artist Niki Johnson that highlight women’s contributions to democracy, depicting allegorical figures like Liberty and Justice as voters. The exhibition includes an opening talk, a guided discussion, and a hands-on workshop during the Old Capitol Art Fair, with materials incorporating remnants from Shepard Fairey’s 2020 mural “Voting Rights are Human Rights.”
The exhibition matters because it uses visual art to engage the public in conversations about democracy, equity, and civic participation, particularly at a time when women’s roles in democratic processes remain a vital topic. By blending historical suffrage imagery with contemporary art materials and community programming, the show connects past struggles to present-day activism, making it a relevant cultural event for Springfield and beyond.