ALFRED J. VALERIO
Alfred J. Valerio, aka Bhaktisiddhanta das, was an Eagle Scout and the first mayor for the day Corning N.Y. 1955. U.S. Navy for two years of active duty. He worked one year as an Illustrative Draftsman third class petty officer for the Admiral of Destroyer Force Atlantic Fleet. (Comdeslant)- 1958-60. He’s married to Mary Lou Evans of Mansfield, Pa. 1973 and has a daughter called Nilu Valerio.
Awards: The John F. and Anna Lee Stacey Fellowship for classical painting – 1965. Master achievement in the arts, Agra University – 1998. Present Minister of Culture or Guild Master for the ISKCON society, now called ISKCON GUILD FOR THE FINE ARTS.
Art experience: Madison Ave. Storyboard artist for Compton Advertising, NYC doing TV and Print media – 1965-66. Professional experience over 60 years in the areas of painting, sculpture, architecture, graphic design, illustration, photography (still and film), history of art, art appreciation and creative writing. A seasoned professional in bronze casting, fibre-glass and mixed media sculpture.
Architectural projects: Assisted in the design and helped in all phases of the construction on two major projects – (Vrindaban and Mayapur, India) Samadhi or memorial tomb marble constructions for His Divine Grace Srila Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada – 1978-90, Delhi, India. Assisted in the design and construction of the Glory of India Museum and temple project. The Delhi museum work consisted of 23 high relief fibre-glass and bonded bronze sculptural panels and directed several large oil murals. The artwork was executed during the period 1997-99.
Present project: Assisting in the design of artwork Temple of the Vedic Planetarium; TOVP temple and museum complex have the largest domes in the world.
Books published: The Birth of Lord Krsna, The Life of A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, Vrindavana Vedic City (a spiritual city on earth), Art Treasures of the Mahabharata, Acarya, Brihat Bhagavatamrita. In process: Spark of the Renaissance, Search for Perfection, Vrindavana Samadhi.