Michael Del Valle grew up in the Austin neighborhood on the far west side — going to St. Angela’s grade school. It was during those early years that he took a keen interest in the arts — taking Saturday classes at the School of the Art Instituteof Chicago as part of the Young Artist program. Michael graduated from Lane Technical High School majoring in architecture but pursued other creative avenues in college. He received a degree in graphic design from the American Academy of Art in Chicago.

Despite his professional career as a digital designer, his interest in the arts has always been an ever-growing passion. His first art show, in 1998, was part of a group exhibition, Kindred Spirit, Waves Apart sponsored by the Filipino American Historical Society of Chicago and held at the Philippine Consulate. In 2002, Michael sold his first work at the Dix Mix Art Gallery. His artwork has been showcased at various art festivals, coffee houses, and restaurants throughout the city. In 2015, Michael moved with his family to Naperville, IL, 30 miles west of Chicago. That same year, his work, Waves of Music, a musical portrait of Chicago received recognition from the Naperville Art League and was featured at the Dupage Children’s Museum as part of the “Art is Instrumental” exhibit. His most recent work, a painted garden bed box, is featured at the Victory Gardens at the Naperville Settlement.

In order to under my work, one must understand my influences:

Individual (Inspiration):

• Dalisay Del Valle
• Bjork
• Claude Monet
• David Carson
• Frank Lloyd Wright
• Frida Kahlo
• Gustav Klimt

Cultural (Foundation):

• African Tribal Masks
• Greco-Roman Relief Sculptures
• Native American Art
• Signs/Symbols/Images

Spiritual (Veneration):

• Religion
• Mythology

Musical (Sensation):

• Infinite Variety