On Display in the Main Hall from November 6 to November 19
USO-Metro partners with the Torpedo Factory Art Center to feature a series of works in the main hall by USO’s vibrant community of veterans.
Please visit our Second Thursday Art Night this Thursday November 10 for our artist talk with Joe Merritt, Marine Corps veteran at 8:00 PM.
Joe Merritt
Served as a Machine gunner in the USMC for 10 years. Deployed in support of Iraqi freedom and Afghanistan. After being medically retired in 2016, he began working as an art facilitator at Walter Reed National Medical Center.
He is a father of two boys. His work varies in a wide range of mediums and topics around the emotions of military service and the struggles of being a single parent. His work has appeared in galleries and exhibits in Virginia, Maryland, and Washington, DC. He currently lives on the eastern shore of Maryland.
Vainuupo Avegalio
Born to High Chief Seumanu Kaluse Lefiti (Father) and Ipu Lefiti (Mother). Joined the United States Army in 2006 as a 21B. Served several tours to Afghanistan. After being injured, he was reclassed as a 25P.
“Art helps me put into words what I can’t say. The images in my mind are so real and haunting to try and talk about them brings me to tears, makes my knees buckle. Art is an outlet, it allows me to breathe.”
About the Torpedo Factory’s Community Partnership Program
The Torpedo Factory Art Center regularly co-presents programs with outside groups to bring new artists, works, and disciplines to our visitors. Recent partnerships have included Eames Armstrong, Heloisa Escudero, ReelAbilities Film Festival, AIA Northern Virginia, USO, Nomadic Jazz, DC Public Opera, Underground Kitchen, Alexandria Choral Society, and Alexandria Symphony Orchestra.
