Erin Perry | Executive Director
Since 2011, Erin Perry has been the executive director of the Legacy Arts Project. As a graduate of the Katz Graduate School of Business, she applies her academic training within a community setting, utilizing arts as a tool for transformation both individually as well as collectively. Miss Perry has been an active member of Legacy since 2005, participating as a member of the dance ensemble through present day. With an extensive background in teaching, Miss Perry has impacted children and adults from Wilkinsburg to Taiwan, teaching classes in English, Math, Photography, and Movement. As a mother of 3 growing children, two boys and a girl, her focus continues to be grounded in the upliftment of humanity through knowledge of self.
Patricia MARRIE Ford | Director of COmmunity Programs
Patricia Ford is a native of Pittsburgh and has spent her life here. Her first love was being a hairstylist for almost 15 years before retiring 3 years ago. Her dance education began at Marion Lorraine Dance Studios where her first instructors were Abby Lee of Dance Moms and Abby Lee’s mother, Ms. Marion. Patricia also is a Pittsburgh CAPA alumna. Currently, Patricia is the Director of programs at The Legacy Arts Project. She also dances in the Legacy Ars Project Community Dance Ensemble. Patricia has had the privilege of dancing with many fabulous dancers in Pittsburgh and in other parts of the United States.
Velva Perry | Administrative Manager
Velva Perry, mother of three children and grandmother of seven, is a native Pittsburgher. After graduating from Taylor Allderdice High School, she furthered her education at Fisk University and the University of Pittsburgh.
Velva has worked in social service, corporate America, and the private sector. She has always been admired for her kindness, compassion, and personability. Velva spent many years working with families during their time of bereavement, offering solace and comfort. She is known by many for the peace that she carries and for creating and holding space that enables people to feel at ease.
Velva's most exciting and fulfilling job has been working with The Legacy Arts Project. She has journeyed alongside her daughter, Erin, providing steady encouragement and support throughout the growth of the organization. Through her work with Legacy, Velva has utilized her relationships within the community both to strengthen the network and to expand the reach of programming.
Her cross-sector experience has enabled Legacy to reach beyond the arts and culture community, bringing awareness to families of the great works happening in Homewood. While being involved with youth and elders, her position with Legacy Arts has afforded her the opportunity to share the importance of art within the community.
Minnie Jones Boose | Manager of Operations & Community Engagement
Minnie is so honored to be bringing her years of professional artistry, community engagement, and operations to the Legacy Arts team. Anywhere from strategic planning to graphic design to engineering, Minnie has had some form of experience in it and is so excited to be working with a staff of such esteemed artists and individuals. Minnie has completed a multitude of professional and leadership development experiences including, but not limited to: AmeriCorps and CORO Pittsburgh, Public Allies, The Pittsburgh Leadership Foundation's Emerging Leaders Collaborative, AmeriCorps KEYS, Partner 4 Work's Summer Learn & Earn program, Pennsylvania Black Conference On Higher Education's Student Leadership Development Institute, and much more.
It is a privilege for Minnie to be working in such an intergenerational staff and for the ability to find so much pleasure and joy in the work she gets to do here.
Fode “Lavia” Camara | Master Drummer and Instructor
Fodé Moussa Camara, master drummer, percussionist, folklorist, and choreographer, exemplifies the n in ew generation in the preservation of West African traditions and the influence of these traditions on the world. Born into an artistic family in Conakry, Guinea, West Africa, Camara honors his family and heritage through his expression of Guinea's musical traditions and culture. Camara's musical command prepared him to become the musical director of the renowned Gbassikolo, an African Ballet owned by his father Djibril Morlaye Camara, and lead drummer of the company Fatouabou Percussion from 1997 to 1999. In 2002, Camara began serving as musical director with distinguished Kadiatou Cont Forte, artistic director of Balafon West African Drumming and Dance. In 2004, Camara was selected as musical director for Borenya West African Drum and Dance Company in Columbia, SC, and served as artistic director until 2008 before starting his own company, Wona Womalan West African Drum and Dance Ensemble, in Charleston SC. In 2016, Fode realized his dream of hosting the KALOUM DJEMBE Music Festival in Conakry, Guinea.
Naomi Ilochi | Youth Program Coordinator
Naomi C. Ilochi is excited to share her expertise in the arts, culture, journalism, and programming with The Legacy Arts Project. Naomi has worked with notable organizations like Manchester Craftsmen’s Guild, Steelworkers Towers, Dress For Success, The Pittsburgh Courier, LIM College, and Temple University, to use her gifts in programming, writing, artistry, and workshops to foster change, community, and connection with all individuals. Naomi believes she is called to serve, bear witness, and extend a helping hand to make communities and the lives within them better.