Lette Valeska

Lette Valeska was a German-born American artist who worked in multiple mediums, including photography, painting, and sculpture. Born Valeska Heinemann, she adopted the professional name Lette Valeska and initially gained recognition for her photographic portraits of children, which became popular among Hollywood stars. Her journey to the United States began when she left Germany after her husband's chemical plant was confiscated by the Nazi regime, traveling with her family before settling in New York City in 1937.

Valeska eventually made her way to Los Angeles, where she would spend the rest of her life, and continued to build her artistic career. In addition to her work as a photographer, she also worked as an archivist for the Pasadena Art Museum's Blue Four Collection. Later in life, Valeska explored other artistic mediums, taking up painting at the age of 50 and sculpture at the age of 70. Her life and work were featured in the Emmy award-winning NBC documentary "The Heart Is Not Wrinkled" in 1969, showcasing her unique journey and artistic talents.