Aaron Perez

Some artists are born with a different kind of talent. A talent that not only tells better stories and elicits response, but the ability to connect with others.

Aaron Perez — a photographer, videographer and documentarian — was born with that talent.

It not only fueled his ability to create, but also led him to the field of teaching. It gave everything he touched purpose, which helped him make the most out of every situation. His balance of confidence and courage set the table for a life rich in connections.

Sadly, Perez’s time on earth was limited. He passed away in October 2023 at the age of 38, leaving his friends and family members far too early.

Fortunately, he embodied Abraham Lincoln’s statement that “it’s not the years in your life that count, but the life in your years,” and he lived many lifetimes in less than four decades.

An Orange County, California, resident in his early years, Perez spent time in Europe while in high school, and continued to travel throughout his life to many other countries, Japan being his favorite. His involvement in the arts began with an early devotion to music, which blossomed across additional mediums as he began studying photography. He attended college in San Francisco, working as a photographer for his college paper en route to a photojournalism degree. His career then took him to New York City, where he found a coveted job at the famed Bowery Bar and created a community of professional colleagues and clients.

One of those connections was with Emily Drew who became his wife and partner.

When Aaron and Emily opted to relocate to Jamestown, Emily’s hometown, he joined the faculty at Jamestown Community College. Early teaching opportunities in digital media production supplemented his work on archival projects and documentary films. After just one semester, Perez’s talent for teaching made him a department favorite, leading to more coursework, further fueling his creativity. He was named JCC’s second Artist in Residence and began undertaking documentary work, including a project highlighting Jamestown’s artistic community.

“Wherever Aaron found himself, he found himself,” Emily said. “He never missed an opportunity to chase creativity and inspiration and was able to integrate into any environment.”

To create a permanent reminder of Perez and his impact on the community, Emily established the Aaron Perez Media Arts Award Fund at Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. Through JCC, the Award will recognize and support a student who demonstrated excellence during their time at JCC and is seeking additional instruction in media arts.

“Aaron had a place in Jamestown where I know he would have inspired students and other artists for years to come. We’re hoping that this fund allow us to continue fueling education and inspiration for young students,” Emily added. “So many of his friends and family were just incredibly fortunate to have been part of his journey, and it’s only right that we do something to continue to carry on his legacy in the same way. It’s what he would have wanted.”

“We got to know Aaron when he worked on a project through the JCC Foundation,” said Tory Irgang, executive director at the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation. “Losing his talent and his capacity to inspire the next generation is devastating. However, this Fund preserves his legacy and we look forward to its impact on students and the arts community as a whole.”

Donations to grow the Aaron Perez Media Arts Fund are important and can be made online at crcfonline.org/give or by mailing a check to Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, 418 Spring St., Jamestown, NY 14701.

The Chautauqua Region Community Foundation administers over 700 endowments in support of emerging community needs, charitable organizations and local students pursuing higher education. For more information visit www.crcfonline.org or contact Lisa Lynde, Donor Services Officer at 716-661-3390 or llynde@crcfonline.org.