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 the Greater Fall River Art Association an exhibit was opened on March 14, 2014 to display the posters of Drew Furtado, the painting of Richard Pais and David Medeiros and the vision plans of Al Lima. The event was held in collaboration with the Fall River Art Association's "Art for Kids" exhibit and silent auction to benefit art programs for Fall River's Children. Mass in Motion also recognized the contributions of Robert Geleney, Durfee High School art teacher, who was instrumental in the creation of the gallery and who is retiring this June. Mayor William Flanagan was on hand to view the exhibit with artists Furtado, Medeiros and Pais. Mr. Lima was unable to attend due to illness. 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 5-minute video of the event. Click here for the Your Fall River blog about the opening.  Click here for the Fall River Spirit article about Furtado.  Click here, here, here and here for photos of other Staircase Gallery exhibits. For more information, contact Mass In Motion coordinator Julie Kelly at 508-324-2405.  

(Top row, left) Artist Richard Pais is introduce to Carol Constantine by Mass In Motion-Fall River Coordinator Julie Kelly (Top row, center and right) Julie welcomes Fall River Art Association Vice-President Carol Lynn Hall as local artist Tim Jewell looks over some of the items in the silent auction. (Row two, left) Art Association members Helen Rego and Arts United President Sandy Dennis talk with Julie and Health and Human Services Director Henry Vaillancourt, M.D. (Row two, center) Artist Drew Furtado talks to Mayor Flanagan about his work. (Row two, right) Richard Pais and Neighborhood Coordinator Perry Long listen as Mayor talks with Julie Kelly about the exhibit. (Row three) Mayor Flanagan welcomes guests to tour the exhibit with the artists. (Bottom row) Mayor Flanagan talks with artist and Art Association member Richard Pais next to his painting, and Ms. Kelly poses in front of some of Drew Furtado's posters.