“Officers as Artists” – Saratoga Springs Artist in National Law Enforcement Museum Exhibition Celebrating Creativity of Officers 

WASHINGTON, D.C.  —Imagery captured by Officer Jacqueline Abodeely from Saratoga Springs is featured among the works of 50 active and retired law enforcement officers from across the U.S. in The National Law Enforcement Museum’s inaugural art exhibition, “Officers as Artists: The Creative Expression of Those Who Serve.”

Hailed as a groundbreaking exhibit that spotlights the artistic talents and creativity of law enforcement officers across the country, the showcase highlights how art serves as a transformative and powerful outlet for those who navigate the complexities and challenges of their profession.

Jaqueline Abodeely of Saratoga Springs has been taking photographs since she was 12 years old. She was in the law-enforcement field with the New York State Park Police for approximately 15 years. Her initial position as dispatcher/hostler (mounted patrol horse caretaker) evolved to six months in the NYSPP Academy and becoming an officer stationed in the State Parks of New York City and the Capital- Saratoga region of New York State.  Eventually, she was forced to retire after suffering an on-duty injury.

“The creative expressions featured in this exhibit offer a unique and intimate glimpse into the lives of law enforcement officers,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund, in a statement. “We hope that through this exhibit visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the multifaceted nature of those who serve, and the therapeutic role art can play in their lives.”

During her law enforcement career and especially during critical incidents, Abodeely says she experienced many moments of a feeling of “in between,” where time seemed to pause – as if the reality of the situation, and the work that needed to be done occurred on a different timeline than the civilian life lived every day. 

Photography provided a way to capture that feeling of a dual perspective, a line between worlds, and the ability to depict a place where the two visions may potentially come together as one.

In the Saratoga region, Abodeely served as mounted unit coordinator for many years, participating in parades, community events, and as active patrol at Saratoga Performing Arts Center for large-scale concerts. She also received certification as a general topics instructor and mounted police instructor,  assisting with training a multi-agency mounted police school, including members of the city of Saratoga Springs and Albany police departments.

The “Officers as Artists” exhibit recently opened to the general public in the DuPont Gallery in Washington, D.C.  and will run through Aug. 30, 2025. For more information, visit: https://nleomf.org/museum/officers-as-artists/