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Lee Jarvis couldn’t stop beaming with pride, and rightfully so, after recently winning third place in a statewide photo contest.
The 206th Street IRA resident in the Bronx won $200 in cash and also received an additional $200 for selling another one of his photographs. Hosted by The ARC Ostego, Voice!19 is an annual juried art exhibition featuring art from across New York State. It celebrates the creative voices of artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Jarvis, 58, is part of Progressive Visions Photo Club and submitted his winning photograph to the competition this summer. His love for photography has deepened over the years and Jarvis says he loves taking photos of different animals, shapes, fruits, and vegetables.
“Taking photos makes me happy and when I won the award, I couldn’t wait to tell my family and friends,” said Jarvis. “I am probably going to buy something nice for myself with the money and treat myself to lunch at Popeyes.”
Jarvis is also saving the rest of the money for his next trip to Albany for the advocacy conference.
“Photography is something he is very passionate about, and it’s been a pleasure seeing him progress his skills and get rewarded for it,” said Dwane Jolly, Assistant Supervisor at 206th Street IRA. “He’s come a long way from the days when he used to go to the Bronx Zoo and take photos on his cell phone – he’s now taking photos with a professional camera and really enjoying it, I couldn’t be prouder.”