ABOUT
Welcome to VV Underground – Your Gateway to Art and Culture! We’re here to shine a spotlight on Deaf, Hard of Hearing, and Disabled artists and storytellers. Our passion? Visual Vernacular (VV) – a mesmerizing form of art that brings stories to life through movement.
Our journey is inspired by the remarkable Bernard Bragg, a trailblazer in Deaf performing arts. His legacy fuels our mission to share the captivating world of VV with people of all backgrounds. Through our engaging events, captivating performances, and enlightening workshops, we aim to deepen understanding and appreciation of Deaf language and culture.
VV Underground is a proud nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, dedicated to our cause.
Join us on this remarkable adventure of art, self-expression, and celebration. Together, we’re creating a legacy that will leave a lasting impact on art and culture!
Justin Perez
Festival Coordinator
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Meet Justin Perez, the ASL Performance Luminary, sparks his creative fire through American Sign Language. With a unique blend of innovation and expression, he’s elevated Visual Vernacular to an international sensation, setting the stage ablaze with his captivating artistry!
Lisa McBee
Media Coordinator
District of Columbia, USA
Meet Lisa McBee, a dynamic ASL storyteller, adds an unexpected twist – her record-breaking sports achievements infuse an extra dose of energy into every captivating performance!
Joel Ortiz
Graphic Designer
Orlando, Florida, USA
Meet Joel Ortiz, Hailing from Puerto Rico, he is more than an ASL performer, he’s an artist of heart and soul. With a background rich in ASL fluency and family bonds, he’s a driving force behind the VV Underground project, uniting poetry, storytelling, and rhythms. Joel’s journey celebrates family, inspiration, and the rhythm of life!
Christian Vasquez
Event Coordinator
British Columbia, Canada
Meet Christian Vasquez, a stage enthusiast since age 10, now a seasoned actor. From LA’s lights to hiking volcanoes, and catching waves with dolphins in Ocean City MD, Christian’s life is a vibrant tapestry of performance and adventure.
Johnathan Kovacs
Event Coordinator
District of Columbia, USA
Meet Jonathan Kovacs, astounds audiences worldwide with his groundbreaking visual artistry through American Sign Language. Captivates with his passion.
Roger Vass
Videography Coordinator
District of Columbia, USA
Meet Roger Vass Jr., known as ‘Vass’ – a Deaf artist extraordinaire! With ASL mastery and award-winning filmmaking skills, he’s a creative force to be reckoned with. Join his journey on Instagram for a burst of inspiration!
Irina Burke
Social Media Coordinator
Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
Meet Irina Burke, a picture-perfect enthusiast based in Indiana with 8 years of expertise, who loves capturing moments and cherished memories through her lens.
Marissa DiDonna
Vendor Coordinator
District of Columbia, USA
Meet Marissa DiDonna, based in DC and is an independent artist who constantly experiments with new creative ideas, always on the lookout for fresh inspiration. Her ultimate goal is to spread the joy of color through her work.
Hannah Wheatcroft
Vendor Coordinator
Los Angeles, California, USA
Meet Hannah Wheatcroft, a contemplative artist, focused on the process of creativity. Incorporating storytelling into the artwork is a big part of her interest. Creating an expansion of understanding in the world that weaves our experience and existence together. Mediums include watercolor, eco-art, photography and video art. Believes that creative expression is essential to saving our world.
Estefani Garrison
Web Design
Austin, Texas, USA
Meet Estefani: Our creative powerhouse from Austin, Texas, who brings a splash of vibrant creativity to our team. With over a decade of design and animation wizardry under her belt, Estefani is the secret sauce behind our visual magic. When she’s not crafting digital wonders, you’ll find her immersed in video games and exploring the captivating realms of graphic novels.
