09/17/2026
Yesterday, members of the GNBVT leadership team—including Superintendent-Director Michael Watson, Executive Director of Operations, Technology, and Digital Learning Maciel Pais, and Cooperative Education Director Mr. DeGrace—had the opportunity to meet with the Massachusetts Design Art & Technology Institute (DATMA).
During our visit, we learned more about DATMA’s work and discussed exciting possibilities for expanding our partnership. These future opportunities could allow students from several of our vocational programs to apply the skills they are learning at GNBVT to help create public art installations throughout New Bedford.
We were also proud to meet GNBVT Engineering Technology student Daishaly Rodriguez, who completed a summer placement with DATMA and continues working with the organization through our Cooperative Education Program. Using 3D-printing and laser technology, Daishaly designed molds and templates that make working with clay more accessible for people who experience pain or limited mobility in their hands. This thoughtful project demonstrates how engineering, technology, and art can come together to solve real-world challenges and help more people experience the joy of creating.
Our partnership with DATMA has already provided our students with meaningful opportunities to contribute to public art throughout the city. GNBVT Metal Fabrication students worked directly with the Lisbon-based team of artist Bordalo II to fabricate the skeletal structure of the 25-foot-tall Plastic Rooster, which is displayed in downtown New Bedford. More recently, our Metal Fabrication students collaborated with DATMA to create “Bug Out: Part 1,” a collection of sculptures installed at Buttonwood Park in June 2026.
We are grateful to DATMA for welcoming us and look forward to growing this partnership and creating new opportunities for our students to use their vocational skills, imagination, and creativity throughout the city.