Perry is a Paintings Conservator at the North Carolina Museum of Art (NCNMA). Perry received a BFA in Painting & Printmaking, with a minor in Art History, from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1983. He returned to VCU in 1985 to study art conservation. Starting in 1987 Perry worked on numerous mural projects in Washington, D.C. including the Lincoln Memorial, US Capitol building, and the Library of Congress. This work coincided with Perry’s private practice, Fine Art & Mural Conservation Studio in Fredericksburg, Va., which he owned and operated until 1998. From 1998 to 2008 Perry was Conservator for Regional Conservation Services at the NCMA. In 2009 Perry's responsibilities switched to conservation of the permanent collection at the NCMA.