John Noltner

John Noltner is the founder and executive director

of A Peace of My Mind, a multimedia arts project

that uses portraits and personal stories to bridge

divides and encourage dialogue around important

issues. Through exhibits, workshops, lectures,

on-site studios, and distance learning, A Peace of

My Mind leads transformative experiences that

help a polarized world rediscover the common

humanity that connects us.

John’s most recent book, Portraits of Peace:

Searching for Hope in Divided America offers

a uniquely human and accessible examination

of the social issues that most challenge us today,

such as racial equality, immigration reform,

LGBTQ+ rights, women’s rights, freedom of

religion, and tolerance. Through the real-world

stories of ordinary citizens who choose, in the

midst of difficult circumstances, to pursue healing,

reconciliation, and community building, we

discover a glimmer of hope that something better

is possible.

A gifted storyteller, John has worked on four

continents, gathering stories of human courage,

grace, and resilience. He has produced projects

for national magazines, Fortune 500 companies,

and non-profit organizations. He has lectured

and led workshops across the country including

engagements at the National Civil Rights Museum

and the Sojourners Summit for Change. He has

been invited for lectures and visiting fellowships at

Cornell University and Rutgers Honors College

and has engaged with dozens of colleges, civic

organizations and faith communities across

the country.

John and his wife Karen sold their Minnesota

home in the fall of 2020 and currently live on the

road, in their van Vinny, gathering new stories

for A Peace of My Mind, from people across the

country who are finding creative solutions to some

of our most challenging issues.