Did you know there are FOUR pieces of public art by Cabot Lyford in Portsmouth? Join us and learn more!

About the Presenters

Chris Dwyer

M. Christine “Chris” Dwyer is co-owner and Senior Vice President of RMC Research, a national education consulting firm based in Portsmouth since 1985 where she has specialized in literacy, early childhood policy and school improvement as well as research in arts and culture. She served seven terms on the Portsmouth City Council, where she played key roles in major civic projects: co-chairing the Middle School renovation, leading the Prescott Park master plan, and fundraising for the African Burying Ground. Chris has been a prominent advocate and leader in arts and culture—founding chair of Art‑Speak, chair of the NH State Council on the Arts, Board president of the Currier Museum of Art and the Portsmouth Music Hall. She currently co-chairs Portsmouth’s Public Art Review Committee.

Ernie Greenslade

Ernestine “Ernie” Greenslade is co-chair of the Portsmouth Public Art Review Committee (PARC), which was established in 2023 to champion high-quality public art for the city and advise on public art-related topics. Always a lover of art, Ernie became involved with public art after retiring three years ago from her career in community college marketing and public relations. As chair of the PNH400 Legacy Committee, Ernie and her small committee provided leadership for the creation of a maritime-themed sculpture garden in Bohenko Gateway Park, which was unveiled as part of the 2023 anniversary celebration. A resident of Portsmouth since 1984, Ernie loves her city and can’t imagine living anywhere else. She has served on the Prescott Park Board of Directors and as chair of the Portsmouth Public Library Board of Trustees.

Gerry Ward

Gerald W. R. Ward, PhD, is the curator of the Portsmouth Historical Society and editor of the Portsmouth Marine Society Press. He is also the Katharine Lane Weems Senior Curator of American Decorative Arts and Sculpture Emeritus at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and has contributed to many publications on American art and material culture as an author or editor. He is currently a Visiting Lecturer at the Massachusetts College of Art and Design in Boston and is serving his seventh term as a State Representative in New Hampshire.