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Growing up with a father who had many artistic talents naturally led Vince Forte, principal engineer, Asset Strategy and Performance in Albany, N.Y., to develop some artistic abilities of his own. Little did he know, however, that these abilities would one day help him carry on his father’s legacy.

“My dad was very excited about art and very enthusiastic about creating art,” said Forte. “When he passed away suddenly, he had several things going on … and continuing his work is a way for me to honor him.”

Forte’s father, Vince Forte Sr., who also was an Engineering designer with the company for 37 years, was a sculptor who worked with many mediums including bronze, marble, granite and limestone. When he passed, he left several busts that had been set in clay but not yet cast in bronze.

“I’m an oil painter, so working on 3-D projects is a bit different,” said Forte. “But it’s important to me to continue his work.”

Forte’s father had worked with the U.S. Army’s 369th Veterans’ Association to create a bronze bust of Sergeant Henry Johnson, America’s first decorated black hero of World War I. That bust is permanently displayed in Albany’s Washington Park. A second bust, different from the first, also was created. However, it was never cast.

Now, the Henry Johnson American Legion Post 1257 in Albany is seeking funding to have the sculpture completed. For this effort, Forte is repairing the clay version of the bust, which deteriorated slightly since his father’s passing.

“I’m an Italian American and I’m not a veteran,” said Forte. “But diversity draws people together, even if we think we have nothing in common. This project has connected all of us: my father, the veterans and myself through history and art. It’s something I’m proud to be a part of.”

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About the American Legion

The American Legion is a patriotic, mutual-help, war-time veterans organization. There are approximately 15,000 American Legion Posts worldwide.