The National Sculpture Society (NSS) is pleased to present American Heroes. The exhibition features 17 works by 16 members of the Society and will be on view from May 26 – July 17, 2026 at the NSS Gallery in midtown Manhattan. American Heroes is a show of sculptures that honor the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. War heroes, civil rights leaders, historical figures, peace makers, first responders and the unsung champions of everyday life are just some of the subject matter on view for the USA’s semiquincentennial celebration. The sculptures on exhibit represent the different styles, backgrounds, and disciplines of NSS members. Fellows (FNSS), Elected Members (NSS), and Associates comprise the levels of membership of the organization which is international in scope and appeal. The National Sculpture Society is a not-for-profit organization which supports excellence in sculpture through various educational programs including scholarships and grants for emerging artists.

The Jury of Selection plays an important part in shaping and balancing an exhibition and each jury is comprised of two sculptors and one curator. For American Heroes, the Jury of Selection included Peter Drake, Provost, New York Academy of Art; Christopher Smith, Fellow of NSS; and Wesley Wofford, Fellow of NSS.

Artists in the show are Julie Rotblatt Amrany, Jules Arthur, Meredith Bergmann, Betty Branch, Kate Brockman, Steve Carpenter, Eugene Daub, Jane DeDecker, Morgan Dummitt, Mark Dziewior, Michael Keropian, Bruno Lucchesi, Quintin McCann, Steve Rands, Karen Swenholt and David Tumblety.

Jane DeDecker’s 24-inch maquette of Washington, DC’s soon-to-be installed Every Word We Utter honors America’s suffragists. The title of the piece is based on a famous quote by Elizabeth Cady Stanton explaining the purpose of female rights activists: “Every word we utter, every act we perform, wafts unto innumerable circles beyond.”  DeDecker explains the design of her work. “At the base, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony stand as a unified force. Their words, speeches, and wisdom launched a peaceful revolution, offering courage and tools to be stewards of human rights. Rising above them, Sojourner Truth is a beacon, her gaze fixed on the horizon – a guardian of the belief that women should have the right to vote.”

Steve Carpenter’s bronze Blackburn’s Dilemma captures the heroism of man against nature.  “In the winter of 1883, Howard Blackburn sailed out of Gloucester, Massachusetts on a fishing schooner,” begins Carpenter. “He and his shipmate became separated from the mother ship in a twenty-foot dory during a sudden winter storm. In these terrible conditions, amid mountainous seas, he managed to keep the dory upright, enduring five days of rowing with little or no food, water, or sleep and with his hands frozen to the oars. Blackburn’s dory mate died of exposure and Blackburn lost his fingers and toes to frostbite. Not letting his handicap detour him he went on to live a full life as a tavern owner in Gloucester, as well as setting multiple solo Atlantic sailing records.”

Mark Dziewior’s bronze canine is actually the center piece of a commissioned K9 Veteran Memorial in Fort Atkinson, WI. According to Dziewior, it is a testament that some of the world’s greatest heroes walk on four legs. “Since 1942, military working dogs have served alongside American soldiers in conditions no human could navigate alone,” explains Dziewior. “This bronze captures a moment both simple and profound: a German shepherd, steadfast and still, no handler in sight, no command needed. The gesture says everything ‘I was with you then. I am with you now.’ It is a tribute to the unbreakable bond between handler and K9, and a reminder that courage doesn’t always wear a uniform. Sometimes it wears a collar.”

The National Sculpture Society was founded in New York City in 1893 by a group of America’s most prominent sculptors. Its members have created much of this country’s public sculpture, coins, and medals since the late 1800s. It is the oldest organization of professional sculptors in the United States and has been hosting exhibitions for over a century. National Sculpture Society is dedicated to promoting excellence in sculpture that is inspired by nature.