In a time of destruction, create something.
Welcome to a gallery born of resilience and imagination. In response to author Maxine Hong Kingston’s prompt, "In a time of destruction, create something," your neighbors have answered with original works of art that give form to the inexpressible. Each piece here is a testament to the power of creativity—to art’s quiet nobility in making sense of chaos, giving voice to emotion, and offering hope where words may fail.
These creations are not from distant places or anonymous hands — they come from right here, made by the people who live beside you. In sharing them, we invite you to witness the strength of our community and the authenticity that art can offer us all.
(All art is the property of its creator. The images below should be enjoyed, but not downloaded or copied for use elsewhere unless expressly permitted by the artist. Please contact us at ArtRejectsTyranny@gmail.com if you would like to use any image and we will contact the artist.)
We Do Not Want A King
click here to read and for more info about this poem
Israel Cruz, Poet. Litchfield County CT
This poem is a compelling plea for accountable, empathetic leadership and a reminder that democracy depends on the active participation and vigilance of its citizens.
Don Juan in Hell
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Peter Steiner, Artist. Litchfield County CT
This painting was kind of a cartoon idea - Don Juan and Don John are very similar.
Two Dolls
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Sara Frischer, Artist. Litchfield County CT
This painting is one of a small series started in reaction to Trump’s statement that young females could/should be happy with Two Dolls.
And Still I Rise (Maya Angelou)
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Bunny Burson, Artist. Litchfield County CT
This snow globe, filled with the iridescent confetti that was to fall on election night 2016, is a reminder that elections have serious consequences.
Relativity
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Christopher Pouler, Artist. Lakeville, CT
This series of photos is from an installation I did at Berkshire School in 2021 that addressed the migrant and refugee crisis worldwide and in the US. It went on to be shown at Salisbury School. Both schools worked the installation into their curriculum and I did short lectures at each school about my process and motivation.
Translate
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JoAnna Scandiffio, Poet. San Francisco, CA
‘Translate’ is a poem about understanding other people, and how we need to be always listening and translating their words.
Darker
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Paula Josa-Jones, Artist. Litchfield County CT
I choreographed “Darker” in 2016, following the first election of the red menace. Music is “You Want It Darker,” by Leonard Cohen.
The Light Will Prevail
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Hilary Harris, Artist. Dutchess County NY
I did this piece the evening of the election, on Nov. 5, 2024. As the news was reported that dump had won, I was absolutely devastated.
No
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Pam White, Artist. Litchfield County CT
This photo is part of a collection of photos shot during a residency at the artist colony in Palenville, NY.
Time Wounds All Heels
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Laurie Fendrich, Artist. Litchfield County CT
After recentlly finishing this drawing, I looked at it and suddenly thought the two large white shapes seemed to be bumping against one another without communicating, and it struck me that it was a kind of abstract expression of our divided country.
AB P #2
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Scott Culbreth, Artist. MIllerton, NY
The cartoon nature of this painting is intentional and exaggerated. Humor can be a salve for terror. I thought the incredibility and surprise of the current American political situation needed an interpretation that is bizarre and base. The format of the line work is derived from the interesting line work on our wearing asphalt roads and parking lots.
Capturing Kent
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Deb Schlee, Photographer. Kent, CT
I am an amateur photographer who finds joy in capturing nature as art.
Just Now
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John F. Carter, Artist. Lakeville CT
Inspired by a recent hike in Overmountain in Ancram NY. Nature and creativity are the places where my broken pieces and those of the world come together briefly…the union of opposites…an opening of healing, vision, and deep connection.
United
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Mary Close Oppenheimer, Artist. Litchfield County CT
We navigate challenging times in life by loving and supporting one another.
It’s going to be a bumpy road ahead, so let's hold on to each other while we fight for what we believe in.
Fight Tyranny
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Sandra Filippucci, Artist. Litchfield County CT
"Fight Tyranny" (from Joan of Arc 2020 Series) Studies for porcelain sculptures. 3d render on archival rag paper.
Archive of the disappeared, the disappearing
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Joanne Hayhurst, Archivist. Litchfield County CT
Each page of this accordion book is an open envelope corresponding to each month of the first year of the current Trump administration. When the administration moved so rapidly to eliminate so much so quickly, I personally needed to slow the losses down, creating a record for myself to absorb what was happening.
Tipping Tombstones
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Scott Culbreth, Artist. MIllerton, NY
Artist statement to come.
No Tyranny - No Dictators
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Ruthann Olsson, Artist. Norfolk, CT