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.
