The Staircase Galleries at Government Center are part of an initiative by Mass In Motion-Fall River to encourage physical activity among employees and visitors to Government Center. Partnering with Arts United Fall River, an exhibit was opened on June 29, 2012 to display the work of B.M.C. Durfee High School teacher Robert Geleny and his most talented students over the past four years. These students were instructed to create a piece focused on the theme of good health. Mr. Geleney has work hanging at Hasbro Children's Hosptal and has exhibited throughout New England and New York. At a ceremony marking the opening, Mr. Geleney and several student artists were on hand as Mayor William Flanagan and State Representative Paul Schmid honored their work. The goal of the state-wide Mass in Motion  initiative is to create a healthier community through changes in policy, systems and environments. Click here for a video of the event. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here and here for photos of other Staircase Gallery exhibits. For more information about the project, contact Mass In Motion coordinator Julie Kelly at 508-324-2405.   

(Top row)  Robert Geleney introduces one of the artists before posing for a photo with members of his family in the atrium of Government Center were the opening ceremony was held. (Row two, left and right) Mass In Motion-Fall River coordinator Julie Kelly welcomes the guests and then chats with Mr. Geleney's brother-in-law following the ceremony. (Row three, left) Fall River City Councilor Dave Dennis talks about one of the paintings with Mr. Geleney. (Row three, center) Fall River poet Daniel Griffin, better known as "Super D", chats with Ms. Kelly after the ceremony. (Bottom row, left) Niagara Neighborhood Association member Helen Rego admires a painting by Alexis Lone Wolf, currently a student at Bristol Community College. (Bottom row, center) Artist and Durfee High School senior Katelyn Harrison stands next to her painting. (Bottom row, right) Amanda Wikberg and Richard Aldrich admire another piece in the six-story gallery.