Born and raised in Western Pennsylvania, Valerie Vakovac attended and graduated from Allegheny General Hospital School of Radiologic Technology. Married soon thereafter to a career Army officer, they moved around the United States and Germany. She has spent most of her married life raising two children, taking on the responsibilities of a military wife and dabbling with many forms of art from wheat weaving to Tole painting.  

Yakovac is a certified instructor for the “One Stroke” method of painting taught by Donna Dewberry. After 36 years, she and her husband now live in Hampton overlooking the Chesapeake Bay.  Since moving to Hampton, Vakovac has found living on the water peaceful and inspirational.