From April to June 4, the Cherrydale Branch Library will feature the photo exhibit “America and Vietnam: Photographs by Charlene Nguyen.” Charlene’s photographic skills are self-taught – her interest in the hobby originated with her father, who was a photographer in the South Vietnamese army.
Charlene Nguyen escaped from Vietnam as a boat person in 1982 at age 18, and then spent almost a year in a series of refugee camps in Malaysia and the Philippines before arriving alone in the United States in 1983. Her parents, today in their 80s, still live in Vietnam.
After coming to the U.S., Charlene studied English at H-B Woodlawn High School during 1983-85. She then began working in Cherrydale at Old Dominion Cleaners, located on Old Lee Highway at Quincy Street , which she and her husband now own. She also earned a bachelor of sciences degree in accounting from the University of Maryland in 1990.
Find more information about our exhibits on the Library Art Exhibits page.
charlene is one of the most amazing people you'll ever meet. she remembers EVERYONE'S name — and is just an incredible person. we've talked about her photography over the years, and i am so delighted to go check it out at the cherrydale exhibit!