Minnesota Artist John Kaul to Unveil “Defenders of Democracy” Exhibition in Washington, D.C.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 18, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Minnesota artist, photographer and documentary filmmaker John Kaul will unveil “Defenders of Democracy,” a powerful exhibition of photographic portraits and personal stories honoring Americans who have taken significant personal and professional risks to defend democratic institutions and the rule of law.

The exhibition will be held September 26–27, 2026, at the DC Arts Center, 2438 18th Street NW in Washington, D.C.

Kaul has traveled the country interviewing and photographing nearly 50 prominent Americans for the project. His subjects include former National Security Adviser John Bolton, former Justice Department pardon attorney Liz Oyer, former White House attorney Ty Cobb, political commentators Bill Kristol and George Conway, former U.S. Reps Beto O’Rourke, Adam Kinzinger and Gabby Giffords, retired General Mark Hertling, former U.S. Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn, current DC police office Danny Hodges, former U.S. Ambassador Marie Yovanovitch, former National Security Council official Fiona Hill, former Department of Homeland Security Chief of Staff Miles Taylor and many other courageous Americans.

“They knew that silence amounted to complicity. They stood up even when it came at a price.” That idea is at the heart of “Defenders of Democracy,” which examines the experiences of people who have challenged abuses of power, defended democratic norms and institutions, and resisted what Kaul views as the growing threat of authoritarianism and fascism during the Trump era.

“These are people with very different backgrounds, experiences and political beliefs, but each reached a moment when remaining silent was no longer an acceptable choice,” Kaul said. “Some lost positions, relationships, personal security or professional standing because they chose duty over expedience and country over political faction. Their stories remind us that democracy survives only when citizens are willing to defend it.”

The Washington exhibition is a preview of Kaul’s larger “Defenders of Democracy” project, which is being developed into a forthcoming book combining his original portraits with the subjects’ personal stories.

A highlight of the weekend will be a public panel discussion featuring Ty Cobb, Liz Oyer and George Conway moderated by Bill Kristol. The conversation will explore three urgent questions: What should Americans hope for? What should they fear? And what must they do to protect democracy?

EVENT SCHEDULE

Saturday, September 26

• 11:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.: Exhibition open house
• 4:00–5:00 p.m.: Panel discussion with Ty Cobb, Liz Oyer and George Conway moderated by Bill Kristol
• 5:30–8:00 p.m.: Opening reception

Sunday, September 27

• Noon–6:00 p.m.: Exhibition open house

Visitors may attend any portion of the weekend but do have to register. Registration information will be available at https://luma.com/deg6d2dp

ABOUT JOHN KAUL

John Kaul is a Minnesota-based multidisciplinary artist and documentary filmmaker whose work spans photography, film, and public-interest storytelling. He has produced and co-produced documentary films broadcast through Twin Cities PBS, and his photography has served as the foundation for long-form projects, including an exhibition featuring Indigenous women water protectors.

Drawing on over 50 years of experience in public policy and politics, Kaul’s current work focuses on moral courage, civic responsibility and the role individuals must play in preserving democracy.

Media Contact:
Tara Erickson
612-280-8998
Tara@EricksonPublicAffairs.com