Artist Highlights Work Of Metuchen Police Officers Through County Art Project

METUCHEN, NJ – Middlesex County recently launched the 6th annual “Windows of Understanding” project. The social justice public art initiative pays homage to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy through artwork displayed on storefronts and public spaces.

Metuchen artist Robyn Trimboli-Russo was chosen to represent the police department and this year’s theme was “Building a Healthy Community.” Trimboli-Russo captured three Metuchen Police officers on canvas, to highlight the department's attempts at building strong bonds with the community.

“The project's main objective is to shine a light on positive strides that local organizations are making, and things that don't often get publicized,” Trimboli-Russo said.

The artists chose three officers from Metuchen’s bicycle patrol unit.

“They're really trying to make strides towards being part of the community and getting to know the people. You’ll find them at social events and local festivals,” Trimboli-Russo said.

To get to know her subjects better, the artist met with Police Chief Arthur M Flaherty and the three officers – Daniel Granato, Christopher Fiore and Aurel Louis. She learned about the borough’s bicycle patrol program and came back amazed at the work the officers do.

“I really wanted to humanize them; to put bits of their personality into the artwork, so residents could get to know them as people, rather than just officers,” Trimboli-Russo said.

The officers were given a questionnaire by Trimboli-Russo to understand their connection with Metuchen and what they find interesting.

“One of them really enjoys the Haunted Downtown Halloween event, and one of them enjoys the Greenway. They were all so funny and down to earth. These are the things so many of us don’t know about the people who serve us,” Trimboli-Russo said.

Once she got to know the officers, the artist worked to capture the relatable and accessible aspects of their personality.

“A lot of detail went into the artwork. I included their body cameras, speedometer, microphones, keys and other finer details into the work,” Trimboli-Russo said.

A resident of Metuchen, Trimboli-Russo studied at School of Visual Arts in New York City, before embarking on a career in newspapers, designing pages and doing illustrations. She adores living in Metuchen due to its vibrancy and “blossoming downtown.”

“The best thing about the Windows of Understanding project is that it brings art to the streets,” Trimboli-Russo said. “You don't have to go into a gallery, you don't have to know art - it's just right there in front of you as you walk by shops downtown. You see the art and the windows, and it just starts a conversation, helping people to open their minds a bit.”

“Windows of Understanding” is a joint initiative by the New Brunswick Community Arts Council, Mason Gross School of the Arts at Rutgers University, Highland Park Arts Commission, the Metuchen Arts Council, and the South Plainfield Cultural Arts Commission. It unites local NJ artists, organizations, and businesses to promote awareness and engagement around social justice issues impacting local communities.

You can see the portraits of the three officers in the window of Berkshire Hathaway, Rt 27, Metuchen.

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