The Pillars of Democracy: Unite & Rise Tour makes its way to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum this month.
This powerful mixed media portrait series of first-time women voters created by artist Niki Johnson will be on display weekdays from 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the library’s atrium at 112 North 6th Street from May 15 to May 31, 2026. Admission to the library is free.
You’re also invited to join Niki Johnson for a special artist workshop during the 2026 Springfield Old Capitol Art Fair. Designed for teens and adults, this interactive workshop invites participants to explore identity, voice, and civic engagement through art-making and conversation. Led by Niki Johnson, teens create expressive artwork while reflecting on what democracy means to them and their role in shaping the future.
The workshop will be free and open to the public. It will take place on the lawn of the Old State Capitol during the art fair from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 16, 2026. Just drop by at any time through the day on Saturday to take part in the workshop. In the event of inclement weather, the workshop will be moved indoors to the Old State Capitol’s Law Library Room.
The Pillars of Democracy: Unite & Rise Tour Springfield appearance is made possible through a collaboration between the League of Women Voters of Illinois Education Fund, Illinois Humanities, Healing Illinois, and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum.