ONE NATION

CURATED BY THE HELLER MUSEUM AT HEBREW UNION COLLEGE
ON VIEW JANUARY – MAY 2025

ABOUT THE EXHIBITION

E pluribus unum – out of many, one – was the radical vision of America set by its founders. This vision created a nation built by diverse cultures, origins and classes, striving for unity through shared commitments to freedom, democracy and individual rights. Yet, these principles have persistently been challenged by the complexities and contradictions of real-world struggles and injustices.

From the Founding Fathers to the enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., this collection captures the foundational aspirations of the American experience. It contrasts the hopeful embrace of the Statue of Liberty with the harsh realities of immigration policies. The hard-won joys of citizenship are paired with the resilience needed in the relentless pursuit of the American Dream, boldly portraying the complexities of our national narratives. Through vibrant paintings, woodcuts, photography, tapestry, collage and textiles, these artists challenge, inspire and reveal a nation in a constant struggle to redefine itself and move closer to the ideals it strives to uphold.

In this exhibition curated in 2022, over 20 artists critically engage with America’s founding promises and ongoing challenges, offering perspectives that reflect the vast spectrum of our identities and lived experiences. As viewers engaging with this work in 2025, we invite you to reflect on our nation – its identity, its values and our future. Together, let us consider not only who we are, but who we must strive to become in order to pursue our ideals.

JEWISH LIFE & BUILDING JUSTICE
Our tradition calls us to engage with the world, to participate in the work of justice and renewal, and to show up fully, ready to take action. A core teaching, “Tzedek, tzedek tirdof,” – צדק צדק תרדוף – “Justice, justice, you shall pursue” (Deuteronomy 16:20), emphasizes taking action with resilience and purpose. We are called to build together, joining in as active participants with the possibility to transform, embracing the work of healing and justice with courage and hope.

Thank you to our community partners
Dr. Bernard Heller Museum at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
Osher Marin JCC
Peninsula JCC

Generous funding support was provided by A More Perfect Union (AMPU), a project of The Tides Center.