Professional Profile          A l e x a n d e r     K a r a s       

       Rarely does an artist make as profound an impact on a medium as Alexander

has on art. His daring work carries a distinctive signature of intimacy and boldness

melded with a unique sense of wit. Breathtaking and vivid artworks of politicians,

celebrities, musicians, and everyday people captured in time, have made Alexander

a living treasure among international artists…             Marty Bass CBS Affiliate 

 

EDUCATION   Master of Fine Arts Degree from Leonardo DaVinci – Florence Italy 1998

U of M, Baltimore with continuing education at - MBC&S as Audit Student - 1993-2001

Heckler & Koch International  1998

 

 

ARTIST-                                                                

 

PAINTER:   watercolor still life & scenics, heavy oils on canvas character portraits

 

SCULPTOR:      Carrara marble, Greek alefropetro stone, wood

 

PORTRAITURIST: Commissions include: Vice President  Dan Quayle, Donna Summers, David Hasselhoff,

 Hillary Clinton, Leonard Nimoy, Governor William Donald Schafer, Englebert Humperdink,

Sugar Ray Leonard, Telly Savalas, Tom Selleck, Johnny Unitas, Boog Powell,  Bob Turk,    The Baltimore Orioles,

 Judge Richard Rombro, ABC/CBS/NBC Networks Soap Stars, local anchor news teams, Dr. Ben

Carson, album covers for many International performers.

 

COMMERCIAL PHOTOGRAPHER: Sports Illustrated Cover, MCA Records, Texas Instruments,

Pulse One Bell Atlantic, Loew’s Hotels: Monaco/ England, /Bahamas/Bermuda, Wurlitzer

Electronics, Leidy Pharmaceuticals, Kiddie Fire & Security Corp., Lennox Laser

 

WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHER: started in 1970 St.Thomas  and became

“ AlexanderLtd.com Weddings Around the World ” has won acclaim from local media including

WJZ, WBAL, AND WMARTV: The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Magazine, Style Magazine The Examiner -

His  works are published in Chicago Bride, Southern California Bride, and New York Bride.

 

 

BROADCAST-VIDEO & RADIO       

 

DIRECTOR/ CAMERA/ EDITOR: Documentary HBO / Heavy Weight Champion of the World ,

National and Local Commercials: Ford/Toyota/ Pulse One Bell Atlantic / Geico Insurance/

 

LIGHTING DIRECTOR: Used by local production companies for his commercial lighting design

expertise

 

VOICE OVER ANNOUNCER: radio spots, documentaries & TV commercials. Co-producer and studio

 musician for local & national jingles,

 

 

THEATRICAL-  ON CAMERA

 

 “ Meteor Man -  The movie starring Bill Cosby & Robert Townsend. Karas’ role- bit part during

ARREST scenes and stunt driver at end of movie 

 

“ Wonderworld ”- Co-host WJZ TV -13 with Bob Turk Nationally syndicated, Group W, half hour

 kids show  prime-time weekly from 1981- 83     Gained tremendous broadcast television

experience which is now being used in his video businesses  

 

We're On !! " -  Locally produced - co-hosted by kids. Show aired PBS stations 12 months

 

“ Pepsi ” -  With Michael Jackson & Alfonso. Front line talent/ national spot.

 

“ Law Office Cohen & Weiss ” -on camera talent, Emergency Room Doctor.  television commercial/

 

“ Maryland Public Television “ - On camera talent, “KIDS WORLD” - instructor “ How to Scuba Dive Safely ”

 

“ Welcome Channel 2 ” - Television Station Promo / on camera talent

 

“ Evening Magazine “ - On camera talent - a regular on national & local reels

 

“ Twelve Monkeys ” - The movie starring Bruce Willis.   Front line bit part-secret service crash party scene.

Movie released winter 1995-96.

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

 SONGWRITER / ARRANGER / PIANIST

Album #1 - Phil Collins /Daryl Stermer / Alexander Karas -“The unauthorized Jam Session of ’78

: Underground Cross Keys Album with Phil Collins, Daryl Stermer, and  Alex Karas playing (original and never heard

before) Jazz , Latino , R&B

Album #2 - “ALEXANDROS” Originals,  R&B, Contemporary Christian

Album #3 - Donna Summers daughter Mimi Summers & Alexander Karas music project – “Christmas Jazz “ produced at

ABBA Recording Studios ///  SINGLES INCLUDE: " You Keep me Cryin' " ,   " Space " -   Star Trek with Lyrics

 

VOCAL IMPRESSIONIST-  Ella Fitzgerald, Johnny Mathis, Englebert, Tom Jones, David Clayton Thomas .

 

PERFORMER- Appeared and Recorded “jam sessions’ with: Sha Na Na,  Phil Collins & guitarist Daryl Stermer ,

 members of : George Benson Group, Dan Forgerty Band , DFK Band,  John Kenner Band,  Buddy Greco and 

Canadian impressionist Rich Little.  

           Member of 3 house bands until 1970 at North Americas Largest Ballroom - "THE STORK CLUB "

                Cordovox musician  with the 18 piece Len Langley Orchestra,

                Keyboard player with the Larry Dennis Combo,

                Lead  vocalist with the New Society Band .

The Stork Club fame included performers:  Guy Lombardo, Duke Ellington , Count Basie, Glen Miller, Les Brown, Louis Armstrong,

 Ink Spots, Drifters, Chubby Checkers, Stan Kenton, Lionel Hampton, Benny Goodman, Jay & the Americans, Soul Brothers 6

 

Alexander entertained throughout Canada, USA, and Europe  with his last European performance at  "The Poseidon Club

 International Resort " in  1982, Loutraki Corinth, Greece where he met and  married his wife Amalia in 1984. 

 

PERFORMANCES NOW LIMITED TO:  Charity events and  fund raisers for worthy charitable causes

 

 

INSTRUCTOR / LECTURER /CONSULTANT              

 

 COLLEGE LECTURE: Fanshawe College London &  University of Baltimore-Topics from

The Psychology of Music: to “The Entrepreneurial Spirit”

 

HIGHER LEARNING CONSULTANT:  course developer Dundalk Community College “ Dacum Syllabus “ for ‘photographic

division

 

AUTHOR: “Everything you wanted to know about wedding photography & video but didn’t

know who to ask”  1982

 

MARYLAND BRIDAL WORKSHOPS:  Administrator, Course Outline included: medical concerns/

 financial planning, floral failures, DJ disasters- with top industry professionals

 

CAMERA CLUBS & PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHERS: Local amateur and pro classes

 covering posing, lighting, mood & seeing beyond

 

SCUBA INSTRUCTOR:   Johns Hopkins University - Team Steve Deem & Tom VanNostrand  1976-1983

 MPT TV  show  " We're On " - Instructor,  Scuba segments  

 Under water Photographer /  Advanced  Diver Technology Certification -  Underwater Photographer Professional Association of Diving Instructors

 

FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR & RANGE SAFETY OFFICER:   NRA CERTIFICATION -  Continental Arms, Timonium MD

Kurt Petrucci June 1996-1998

 

PRIVATE DETECTIVE License # 5123:  1978 -1981 Certified  Licensing Maryland State Police Agency #78-241

Rank- Captain " Forensics and Hi-tech Surveillance Specialist

 

FIREARMS INSTRUCTOR: Appointment by NRA 1998- 2008  with Additional Certifications from Heckler & Koch .     

 

A.S.L.E.T.     American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers

       Liason to PD agencies in Canada /  USA / Middle East  -

 

INTERNATIONAL LAW ENFORCEMENT CONSULTANT:  multi-lingual consultant for ALERT PUBLISHING

/ Police Officer Training - CORT    2003 to current : Liason / presenter to RCMP, Homeland Security Border Control,

 Athens Greece PD and Intel community    

 

LAW ENFORCEMENT & TRAINING:  Deputized by Governor Paris Glendening -  Commissioned by Secretary of State John T.Wills 

Captain,  / Certified Special Police Officer for State of Maryland   #104-14399  Maryland State Police Licensing-

  Tactical trainer: Class III weapons &  Executive Protection 

National Security Training Center, Athens Greece- Athens Police Department-

 Hellenic Police Academy training consultant  2004 OLYMPICS   2002 -2004

 

 DNA FORENSICS:  Received  Certificate of Agent Accreditation  on January  07, 2005 DNA Security NC

   member A.S.C.L.D.I  American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors International

 

ENGINEERING - AUTOMOTIVE / MARINE / 

CAR BUILDER:   - designed & built practical exotics and high performance sleepers. Corvette

powered Rolls Royce’s, Jaguars & Mini Coopers.

 

RACE CAR DRIVER:  St. Thomas Speedway, Pure Stock- Canada - seasons 1967-69

 

ALEXANDER ROLLS-ROYCE LIMOUSINES: The oldest and largest Rolls-Royce limo

         service in North America, from 1972-2001.  

 

MARINE: -  Re-engineering (de-mil) Military   Russian hydrofoil / Replacing Russian GAZZ engine with a rotary 

wankel almost doubling maximum rpm (8,500) and horsepower. 

Coating hull and foils with DUPONT teflon to further reduce friction

 

NEW PRODUCTS & PATENT OFFICE SUBMISSIONS:  - Tactical ballistic shield/clipboard ,

marble fireplace &   16X9 HD widescreen TV combo, multi- door multi dimensional store- all ( intentionally vague) 

Pre-fab tri level deck with glass surround kit - do it yourself kit, optical - quadra-focal glasses with 20 & 40 x power spot lenses built-in

 

 

ARCHITECTURAL

 

 

ALEXANDERLTD  INTERIOR DESIGN- specialist in historic renovations with seamless modern integration

 

 

ENTREPRENEURAL

 

Founder:  Alexander Photographics: 1972- today

 TRADING AS :  ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHICS (SINCE 1971) . ALEXANDER WEDDINGS AROUND THE WORLD (SINCE 1971) .

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALEXANDER (SINCE 1971) . ALEXANDER PHOTOGRAPHY (SINCE 1971) .

ALEXANDERLTD.COM PHOTOGRAPHY (SINCE 1971) . ALEXANDER KARAS PHOTOGRAPHY (SINCE 1971)

 

Founder:  Alexander Video Productions 1981-today Alexander Video Production

        staffers  currently hold 3 Emmy awards.

 

Founder:  Alexander  Rolls-Royce Limousines 1972-2001

 

Founder:  ABBA Recording Studios: 1987-1996

 

Founder:   DUBMAX.com Duplicators: 1998 – today : Video, Audio, DVD & CD 

        Duplicates broadcast video programming to 800 TV stations for Discovery

        Networks. Other clients include; CBS, DOD, National Geographic Channel, NBC,

        Bravo, Johns Hopkins, Sylvan Learning, Ogilvy , Pfizer, Merck

 

Founder:  Dubmax Hummer Rentals: 2004 

 

Founder:  DNAmax: Forensic Genetic Testing  Dec 28th 2004   / merged with North 

                Carolina based DNA Security Inc. 02/03/05  

 

 

MEMBERSHIPS  

   past & present:

 

International Hydrofoil Society  London/Washington  http://ntl.bts.gov/card_view.cfm?docid=9480

 

Professional Association of Diving Instructors Specialty Diver Certification           PADI DIVERS

 

The Maryland Hydronauts http://www.aquanaut.com/bin/httrg/aquanaut/clubs/MDHydro

 

BARAKUDA International Aquanautics- Paleokastritsa / Germany 

 

United States Power Squadrons

 

The Oceanic Society -donor

 

National Aquarium in Baltimore - Corporate Donor

 

American Federation of Musicians - London / St Thomas chapter

 

National Rifle Association, Instructor

 

The United States Jaycees / Baltimore Jaycees Inc. 

 

Professional Photographers of America, 1985 

 

Institute of Certified Photographers, 1972

 

National Free Lance Photographers Association, 1973 

 

Wedding Photographers of America Inc, 1979

 

Sales & Marketing Executives International, SME 

 

Rolls Royce Owners Club 

 

American Society of Law Enforcement Trainers -  ASLET member/ public speaker 

 

American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors International  A.S.C.L.D.I.  DNA Accreditation - 

 

 

 

 

PUBLIC SERVICE, AWARDS / RECOGNITIONS -

      past & present

 

 

Notary Public State of Maryland - since 2000

 

Election Judge - Maryland/ Baltimore City '04- 08

 

City of Baltimore - Mayor's Citation -volunteer Baltimore's Homeless '90

 

U of B Business School - Guest Lecturer '83 84

 

Kennedy Krieger School- Volunteer / Donor- Extended Therapeutic Day Program   '94

 

Curriculum Design Panel with Kodak - Dundalk Community College '95

 

Presidential Prayer Team  http://www.presidentialprayerteam.org/ '03

 

University of Maryland" Melody of Hope" Pediatric Aids - yearly Supporter / Volunteer /Photographer

 

National Marion Conference / Archdiocese of Baltimore-volunteer '94

 

Foster parent Peru -  since 1999 through Compassion International

 

Silent Auction Donor "SPLASH" Northup Grumman '03

 

Baltimore County Bureau of Civil Defense - Medical Self-Help, 1967

 

St. Thomas Psychiatric Hospital Case worker -  Music Therapy Department 1968-69

 

Athens Greece Police Department - 2004 Olympics Preparations - weapons / training consultant 2003-04

 

Divisional Chairman, Fanshawe College Student Union, 1971

 

"Partner in Education Award"  GGCA Academy     http://www.graceschools.org/    '04

 

Sportspower International - volunteer / NBA athletes / program/Inner City Outreach  http://www.sportspower.org/pro_challenge1.html 1980-08

 

Cathedral of the Annunciation: volunteer/contributor/donor- 75th and 100th year Anniversaries- 'Archive Photojournalist '81- '06

 

MAYORS OFFICE RECOGNITION- City of Baltimore, Community Investment Donor Improving Childrens Academic Climate  2005

 

Frederick Douglass School Volunteer Photography Teacher- Recognition High School - $50,000.00 Donor & volunteer '06

 

Maryland Art Place MAP - donor arts programs and educational activities to the community www.mdartplace.org  '93

 

Baltimore County Public Schools Recognition  Office of Superintendent  1982-2005  - volunteer since 1982 - "Creative Writing Programs"

 

Grace Hour Charity Fund Raiser & ball - Entertainer with New York Knicks P.John Love -  Worldwide Webcast- Jan '07

 

Mid-Atlantic Greek Independence Parade, Director sub-committee- promotion & public relations '05, 06, 07,08,09

 

Induction into  AMERICAN HELLENIC EDUCATIONAL PROGRESSIVE ASSOCIATION '06

 

City Council of Baltimore Award/ Presentation - " Resolution " Recognition to 25 years of Public Service to Education" '07

 

Induction into The Heritage Registry of WHO'S WHO in America / 2006-2007 Edition

 

Appointed AHEPA's  Chairman- Historian  http://www.ahepa.org/   '07-09

 

Appointed AHEPA's  Chairman- Information Technology '09

 

Johns Hopkins Hospital-  severe weather Humvee driver  transport of critical care personnel '07-09  

 

Kennedy Krieger Institute - Christmas Worker 2007,  Music & Entertainment 2008

 

Elected to Board of Governors - American Hellenic Progressive Association '08

 

Appointed Deputy Press Secretary '09 AHEPA

 

American Red Cross - Volunteer Disaster Recovery Team '08

 

American Heart Association 'Heart walk Donor'

 

Nominated AHEPAN of The YEAR  May 11, 2009

 

'CONGRESSIONAL SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD - May 15, 2009

 

Chairman, Emergency Response Committee District 3 - May 17 2009 -  AHEPA East Coast.  Develop protocols build, maintain & test system in event of terror.attack or natural disaster. Interface with 1st.responders under authority of National or Local authority- Evacuation/ food/ clothing.

 

 

 

FAVORITE VERSE  - RE:  MENTAL ATTITUDE ABOUT LIVING (anonymous): "Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely, in an attractive & well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, baklava & strawberries in one hand, champagne in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out & screaming....WOO HOO!  WHAT A RIDE!!!!!"  - anonymous

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