July 8 - October 10
22 Federal Workers
A Portrait Series by Paint Brains
All the pieces in the series, “22 Federal Workers,” were painted in oil on a small canvas panel, measuring 4”x 6”. Each of the portraits will be returned to those who participated in this project and are therefore not for sale.
Note: Please click on the individual paintings to see descriptions.
Since 2025, approximately 300,000 workers - at least ten percent of the federal workforce -- have left federal service through a combination of firings, buyouts, resignations, and retirements. The goal has been not just to downsize but to destroy the government's capacity and demoralize those in public service. Those who remain in the government are unable to perform mission critical tasks with reduced capacity, increased bureaucracy. Many have even been pressured to perform orders of questionable legality.
Over time, the cost to the nation will become clear in the form of fewer treatments and cures for diseases, fewer scientific breakthroughs, slower and weaker response to natural disasters, a more polluted environment, and diminished U.S. leadership in the world.
In this collection of 22 portraits by the artists Paint Brains and 27UNIHTED, current* and former public servants tell their stories: What inspired them to pursue public service, what kept them there, why their work matters, and how they plan to keep making a difference outside of the federal government. These stories document what we have lost and why it matters. They are also examples of standing up. As one of the participants writes: "In an age of bombastic and vindictive leadership, quieter acts of true courage should not go unnoticed."
The Crow's Nest is delighted to show this collection virtually and to recognize these acts of quiet courage.
~Leonardo Martinez-Diaz
About the Artwork
“31 Civil Workers” is a series of portraits that was painted daily by Paint Brains in the month of January (2026). Each portrait is of a current or former federal worker who is continuing to protect civil services and other federal employees. These portraits were submitted voluntarily, along with any texts they wished to share and include stories from the EPA, CDC, NIH, and more. This is a timely project featuring federal workers continuing to protect their country while they themselves are being vilified and changes in regulations restrict their abilities to work. For example, many of the featured federal employees were fired unexpectedly in 2025. Their stories and the impact of their lost expertise are described in their writings. “31 Civil Workers” showcases the brave citizens who are standing up for what they believe in.
“31 Civil Workers” was born because of the disconnect federal workers felt when interacting with people not directly working for the federal government. By featuring their stories and faces, this project aims to change people’s perception of who federal employees are. This exhibit is intended for everyone. Among federal workers, this portrait series celebrates a somewhat hidden community of fellow colleagues. For others, this exhibit exposes stories by federal workers that have largely been obscured. Additionally, many of the portraits are of Maryland residents and therefore recognize the people of our state.