Special to the record
A special posthumous exhibit opened July 29 at the Chelsea City Hall Gallery honoring the life and work of Francis J. “Frankie” Bernard (1965–2018), a beloved Chelsea cartoonist and disability advocate, in recognition of the 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Funded by the Chelsea Cultural Council and presented in partnership with the Chelsea Disability Commission, the exhibit features a series of original Funny as a Crutch comic strips.
Frankie Bernard Jr. was the creator of Funny as a Crutch, a comic strip chronicling the misadventures of Frankie, a young boy who walks with crutches, and Sharpton, his loyal porcupine companion. The strip offered a humorous yet poignant look at disability through the eyes of its creator, who lived with spina bifida.
A graduate of Chelsea High School, Bernard attended the Massachusetts College of Art for two years. He launched Funny as a Crutch with the hope of encouraging readers to feel more comfortable around people with disabilities and to foster greater empathy and inclusion. The strip ran weekly in The Chelsea Record.
This exhibit not only celebrates Bernard’s artistic legacy but also serves as a reminder of the importance of visibility in the ongoing movement for disability rights and inclusion, especially during July, which is Disability Pride Awareness Month.
Opening ceremony held at the Gallery
Chelsea Arts and Culture Manager Lourdes Alvarez welcomed “our special guests,” Frankie Bernard’s mother, Mary Bernard, and his sister, Maureen Bernard Jergelewicz, to the opening ceremony held in the corridor adjacent to the exhibit.
Director of Recreation and Cultural Affairs Bea Cravatta said she first met Frankie in 2003 and hired him for an artist’s position in the Chelsea Community Schools Program.
“We had programming in comic strips, and the children were learning from him,” recalled Cravatta. “And we were so involved with his talent, his special caricatures – he was just so awesome to watch, and we were so proud to have him as a part of our team. I want to say to Mrs. Bernard and Maureen, what a pleasure it was to know your son and to work with him and to watch him in action.”
Alexander J. Floyd-Vargas, a member of the Chelsea Disability Commission, spoke of Frankie’s fortitude and his setting an example for others in becoming a talented and respected artist.
Rep. Judith Garcia said she was “humbled” to be with people who are focused and had assembled “to celebrate the legacy of Francis “Frankie” Bernard – and not only his legacy, but his courage, his resilience, his unshakable spirit, and his joy. And I think that’s reflected here on these walls.”
Garcia also noted the fine example that Frankie set for others with disabilities. “It’s a great honor to be here on the 35th anniversary of the American Disabilities Act and to let’s continue to remember the legacy of Frankie,” said Garcia.
Maureen Bernard Jergelewicz told the gathering, “My mom, Mary, and I would like to thank Chelsea Cultural Council, Lourdes, Bea, and everyone for coming today and honoring my brother, Frankie – what a beautiful display.”
“I know on his behalf, he would be extremely proud and happy that his art is being displayed,” added Maureen. “I know he lived for his art – that was his life, educating people, educating others about his disability was his life also – entertaining people and making them laugh. But above all, he loved Chelsea. He loved his friends from Chelsea. That’s probably the most important thing I would like everyone to know.”
Mary Bernard said, “I’m very proud to be here tonight and I’m very proud of my son, Frankie. He was an exceptional person with a wonderful talent. I’m very, very grateful for all of you for being here and to the wonderful City of Chelsea for putting on this display. Thank you so very, very much.”
City Manager Fidel Maltez concluded the program with a personal tribute to Frankie Bernard, lauding his “courage.”
“It takes courage to come out of the dark and share your struggles and be open about it and be vulnerable,” said Maltez.