A partnership between VA NY Harbor Healthcare System (VANYHHS), Duggal Visual Solutions' Big Picture Foundation and the School of Visual Arts (SVA)launched Taghaz: Photographs by Avery Alejandro, an exhibit that opened Thursday, September 7 at 2:30PM in the Main Lobby of VA’s Manhattan Campus.
Coordinated by Associate Director Jodie Jackson, the Veteran’s art exhibit is part of a larger plan to work with partners on VA’s mission to modernize and enhance the environment of the medical center’s three campuses. Marc Lovci, VP Business Development, Duggal Visual Solutions, Gemma Prosper-Brown, Asst. Registrar, Veteran Counselor, SVA, Martina Parauda, Director, VANYHHS, Ms. Jackson and others representing the three community partners were on hand along with many VA staff and Veterans at the opening to congratulate Avery Alejandro and celebrate the strength of partnership in supporting our nation’s Veterans.
A Navy Veteran, Alejandro is the first of the Veteran artists who will be contributing to a changing display of Veteran work at VA NY Harbor Healthcare System’s Manhattan Campus.
Alejandro was born in Rizal, Philippines and raised in Santa Maria on California’s Central Coast. Joining the Navy after high school, he served five years including shore duty as a Corpsman (enlisted medical specialist) with the Navy hospital at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.
His Naval service also included deployments to Kuwait and Afghanistan. During his sea duty he was attached to the 2nd light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion providing health and readiness for Marine Corps personnel.
Avery says he always took photos, but “got really into it” in Afghanistan. “I wanted to document my every day experience while at war. And, it gave me an outlet for my creative energy.”
Alejandro shot the photos of Marine Corps Infantry Service Members while he was based in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
After honorable discharge, Avery moved to New York City, earning an AA in Literal Arts at Borough of Manhattan Community College. He is now working toward a BFA in photography at the School of Visual Arts.
About the Duggal Big Picture Foundation:
Our mission is to inspire, educate, and empower children through exposure to photography and arts at a young age. By teaching them the joys and practical skills of the visual arts, we enable them to explore their own creative potential and self-worth, methods proven to boost confidence in all other areas of life. When young people are given the chance to create, it empowers them to recognize and spread beauty in their lives, in their community, and in the world at large.
It is important for us not only to inspire children to dream big, but to cultivate programs and partnerships that ensure they will have the necessary resources to achieve their goals now and in the future. We want to recognize and support organizations that are working hard to bring the healing and inspiring power of images to places that need it most. All of us at the Duggal Big Picture Foundation volunteer our time so that 100% of our donations can be put towards achieving our goals.
