Artist Statement
Magdalena “Maggie” Estoista Leones (August 19, 1920 – June 16, 2016) was a Filipino intelligence officer during World War ll. She is the first and only Asian to receive a Silver Star Medal for her time contributions. She was the mastermind for the explosion of Japanese planes on an airstrip in Tuguegaro. Leones fathered radio parts and recruited technicians which allowed consistent communication with General McArthur, and it paved the way for his return to the Philippines and the eventual reclaim of Leyte.
About Michael Del Valle
Michael Del Valle was born at St. Joseph Hospital in 1970 on the north side of Chicago. He 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 Institute of 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.
