From March through May 2024, students at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (GNBVT) helped bring an internationally recognized work of public art to New Bedford.
As part of DATMA’s collaboration with Portuguese artist Bordalo II, 11th- and 12th-grade Metal Fabrication and Welding students built the steel framework and base for Plastic Rooster—a monumental sculpture made from discarded materials.
Known for his “Trash Art,” Bordalo II transforms waste such as scrap metal, plastic, and automobile parts into striking animal sculptures that call attention to pollution and environmental damage.
Working under the guidance of Steven Flowers, Joel Gonzalez, Brendon Pequita, and Steve Lopes, the students applied their skills in welding, fabrication, engineering, and problem-solving to construct the sculpture’s structural skeleton. They also worked with Bordalo II’s team in Lisbon, gaining firsthand experience in the collaboration between art, design, and skilled trades.
The student team included Emily Andre, Jamileishka Baez, Yarellis Cabrera, Simone Chaplin, Logan Edwards, Ariana Fernandes, Ryan Fernandes, Luis Daniel Garcia, Alexis Medeiros, Luke Daivid Medeiros, Nylah Merkman, Michael Perdomo, Brett Pomfret, Travis Peltier, Sarah Renovato, Aissatou Sakho, Jason Sanders, Bryce Strawn, and Ethan Tavares.
Their craftsmanship helped turn Bordalo II’s vision into a reality—and gave local students a hands-on role in creating a lasting piece of public art for New Bedford.
This article was inspired by the main photo, courtesy of Singing With Light Photography. Shout out to DATMA for their amazing work!
