Veterans' artwork was featured at an opening of the Staircase Galleries at Government Center just before Veterans' Day on November 8, 2012. The show included art by veterans Gino Silvia, James Rebello, and Richard Pais. Gino Silvia, a former marine, is a photographer who works primarily from a single engine airplane. Army M.P. James Rebello does pen and ink drawings. Army reservist Richard Pais is a painter and member of the Fall River Art Association. Firefighter Ken Perry, who joined the show in order to create work that honored veterans' sacrifices, has a bachelor's degree in painting and sculpture from UMass-Amherst. The display was 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, Mass in Motion-Fall River seeks to create a community that encourages healthier lifestyles by changing policy, systems and environments to prevent or control chronic disease. Click here for a video of the event. Click here for the Herald News article. Click here, 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, left) Durfee High School ROTC members CPO Cynthia Silva, MO2 J-Lynn Jackson, SR Josue Sanchez, PO2 Andrew Sousa, and Lt. DeRego gather before posting the colors at the event. (Top row, center) Artist James Rebello chats with Mass In Motion-Fall River coordinator Julie Kelly and City Councilor Dave Dennis. (Top row, right) Mayor William Flanagan welcomes people to the event along with Councilor Dennis, Veterans Services Director Ray Hague, Massachusetts Representative Paul Schmid and Ms. Kelly. (Middle row, left) Arts United President Sandy Dennis talks about the artists who are displaying their work. (Middle row, center) Artist Rebello talks about his work with Claudette Correiro in the gallery. (Middle row, right) Margie Charkowski, the sister of veteran poet Danny Griffin, reads one of Danny's poems. (Bottom row, left) Artist Ken Perry looks at a display of photos by veteran Gino Silvia. (Bottom row, center and right) Health and Human Services Administrative Assistant Brenda Ritz talks about Mr. Silvia's photos before he prepares a slide show entitled "Before They Go" that recognizes the sacrifice that veterans have made in the cause of liberty.