Jessica Fernandes Gomes, coordinator of UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts Star Store campus, and New Bedford Police Lt. Scott Carola look at one of the pieces of art on display through Feb. 15 at an exhibition of work at the campus that was done by public safety personnel. An artist reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9.

Art by public safety personnel on display at Star Store campus Feb. 9

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They are men and women in uniform but on the off hours they work in an array of colors and styles.

Artwork created by representatives of local public safety agencies is on display through Feb. 15 at UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts Star Store campus at 715 Purchase St. during an exhibition titled Command Presence.

The work reflects a range of talents, including oil and acrylics, photography, sculpture and even tinsmithing. New Bedford Police Lt. Scott Carola, a skilled artist who has work on display at the exhibition, organized the event. “We wanted to provide a place where the public can see and interact with the human side of people working in public safety’’ Lt. Carola said.

Some of the works reflect the law enforcement theme, including a painting of police officers saluting the hearse carrying former New Bedford Police Chief David Provencher, who died in December 2015. But others depict other scenes, including images of boats in the iconic New Bedford harbor and beloved pets.

The exhibition has been held for several years and continues to grow in popularity.

An artist reception will be held from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9 at the campus. Visitors will have the chance to appreciate the artwork, meet some of the artists and hear a poetry reading by New Bedford Police Officer Charlie Perry and readings from a book written by New Bedford Police Officer Norman Duchesneau titled “Necessary Chances: 30 Years of Law Enforcement Stories.’’ Retired probation officer Wayne St. Pierre will also be in attendance with guitar in hand, performing for attendees.

New Bedford Police Chief Joseph Cordeiro will speak at the event. The opening ceremony will include the New Bedford Police Department honor guard and a bagpipe performance, as well as a rendition of the national anthem by Bristol County Sheriff’s department staff member, Jeremy Corriveau.

“We wanted to put the world of art and public safety together,’’ said Jessica Fernandes Gomes, coordinator of UMass Dartmouth College of Visual and Performing Arts Star Store campus. “This is a side of law enforcement we wanted to show, and one that the public doesn’t always see.’’

Artists whose work is displayed at the exhibit include: Chakira Gonsalves, UMass Dartmouth Police Department; Scott Carola, Elvin Ramos, A.J. Farland, Josette Cormier and Lisa Catterall, New Bedford Police Department; John Garcia and Scott Smith of the Marion Police Department; Jeremy Corriveau and William Phillips, Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; Terrance Lopes, Massachusetts Department of Corrections; Anthony Days, Mattapoisett Police Department; Adam Katz, Fairhaven Fire Department and Amy Driscoll, Whitman Police Department, James Linhares and Nick Garber who are law enforcement officers in South Texas.

About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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