Self-taught artist Valen"Tinno" Alba is a photographer, poet, jewelry designer and a Bonsai artist.  He earns his living landscaping, painting and home staging.

As a photographer he is included in 12 book collections published by the International Library of Photography.  He won First Prize for his work EPCOT Eye and Second Prize for his work Shadows I at the 2005 International Open Amateur Photography Contest in Washington D.C., Please visit, www.picture.com.  He won First Prize for his work, Bermuda Bicycle at the 17th Annual  Art Exhibit of the Hyde Park Art Association at the Scollay Gallery and the Mayor's Gallery at the Boston City Hall, April 2006.  He has won many award recognitions for his works in various art shows in and around Boston.  His work "Pink Lady Slipper" won an Editor's Choice Award, from the International Library of Photography.

As a poet, he is included in 20 book collections including the International Who's Who in Poetry twice, Best Poems and Poets of 2004, Best Poems and Poets of 2005, Tracing the Infinite and many others, published by the International Library of Poetry, www.poetry.com.   He recently contributed a poem in a book titled "Songs of Honour" published by Noble House in Europe.  He was awarded an "Outstanding Achievement Award in Poetry" by the International Society of Poets last August 2005 in Washington, D.C.. His poem Richard Cotter II was awarded an Editor Choice Award by the International Library of Poetry.