SirianniArt.Com

The series of the drawings, from the McCray case, can be found HERE, where you can also see other courtroom art.

7th Annual Fine Art & Healing Exhibition 2008
Impact Artists’ Gallery, Tri-Main Center, Buffalo, NY
February 2-23, Wednesday-Friday 11am-4pm

I have two pieces on display in this group show, “Bird with a Smile” and “Yardbird“.  I will also be giving a lecture on February 23 at 1:30pm regarding art & veterans as well as police sketch artist experiences.

For more information, visit www.buffalo.com/impact

Art For Justice gives viewers an inside look at the world of police sketches and courtroom art.

Ralph Sirianni shares some of the techniques involved in local and internationally known cases. He worked with law enforcement officials by developing the updated sketch of The Bike Path Rapist. This was shown on America’s Most Wanted. When that individual was apprehended, Ralph Sirianni was there for his first appearance, creating the courtroom drawing.  The film ends with a demonstration. The artist turns his back on the audience and asks that they choose someone among them to model for a police sketch. Based on their descriptions, he creates a striking resemblance.  This is an important look at two very interesting areas of Art For Justice.

The DVD was also recently featured in the newspaper China Press.  With a running time of 26 minutes, it is now available for purchase by contacting the author.  Or you may watch it in segments on YouTube: Part 1 / Part 2 / Part 3
 

As a Police Sketch Artist, I’ve learned that the success of an arrest relies more on the victim’s (or witnesses’) description than my talent as an artist.

In the case of The Bike Path Rapist, a woman escaped from her attacker. At the time this attack had taken place (10 years ago,) she was 14 years old. The idea was to age the assailant.  During my interview with her, she described him as having hair and a moustache. Law enforcement officials, who were present at the time, suggested we leave out the facial hair.

Given this information and the victim’s confirmation, the 2004 sketch was released. This is the drawing that appeared on America’s Most Wanted ( FOX-TV) in December 2006.  It was also the only hand-drawn sketch that appeared. The others were either composites or computer generated.

Upon the arrest of Mr. Sanchez, I found myself in the unique situation of creating the courtroom drawing for his first appearance. It was the first time I’d combined the two arts for one case.

 2004 Police Drawing

 Suspected Bike Path Rapist, Altemio Sanchez

 Courtroom drawing of suspect’s arraignment 

Click HERE to hear a radio interview on WBEN Buffalo Radio.  (837kb .WMA file)

Click HERE for the article in the Buffalo News, February 25th, 2007.

My work with various law enforcement agencies as a police sketch artist has taken an interesting turn.  I am currently involved with a murder investigation in which there were no witnesses.

The victim’s family has employed a psychic.  I receive a description from that person via conference call.  My drawing is then faxed back to them, and then I make adjustments.  For a second opinion, the family hired a second psychic whom I am also working with.

 In a recent court case, the artist’s courtroom drawings were picked up by various Chinese publications, such as China Press.  They can be viewed HERE.

The artist has recently designed the memorial plaque for The Fallen Officers of the Buffalo Police Department.

On November 20th, 2003, The Buffalo Police Detectives Association presented an award to Ralph Sirianni for his volunteer work in providing police sketches. He was the only civilian to receive this honor. He primarily interviews rape victims for the Sex Offense Squad and develops an image based on that exchange.  His drawings have assisted in arrests, one being made only 9 hours after the sketch had been circulated.

 Tuesday, January 20th, 2003 – Ralph Sirianni received the “Mayor’s Award of Merit” from the Buffalo Police Department “in recognition of outstanding service to the community and helping to provide a safe and secure environment for the citizens of our grateful city.”