Vitaliano Victa Vallar was a Filipino who served as a Steward in the US Navy, creating remarkable oil portraits of high-ranking officers while stationed in Hawaii during the late 1940s and early 1950s. Many of his works were given as gifts to admirals and other leaders, displayed around Pearl Harbor, and featured in art exhibits and newspapers at the time. Vitaliano was a self-taught artist, known for his realistic style—his oil paintings were so lifelike they were often compared to photographs. In addition to portraits, he painted military war scenes and portraits of military family members, capturing the broader experience of service and sacrifice. After his naval career, Vitaliano continued to paint, focusing on Philippine landscapes, Filipino daily life, and religious themes, further showcasing his versatility and deep connection to his heritage. For years, his contributions went largely unrecognized, and he rarely spoke about his work. Only recently, through internet searches and old newspaper archives, has his family begun to uncover the true extent of his artistic legacy and the impact his paintings had on the military community and beyond.
This fundraiser aims to honor Vitaliano’s life and talent by organizing an art exhibit at the Bonita Museum in San Diego in November–December 2025, with hopes for additional exhibitions in the future. The exhibit will showcase both original oil paintings and high-quality reproductions, allowing a wider audience to appreciate his artistry. Funds raised will help cover essential costs such as exhibit fees, professional framing, outreach materials like flyers and posters, and hiring photographers to create digital images of his artwork. Support will also go toward printing large posters, banners, and postcards to promote the event and share Vitaliano’s story with the community.
By bringing together his lost and scattered works, this exhibit will celebrate Vitaliano Victa Vallar’s legacy and ensure his remarkable talent receives the recognition it deserves. Your support will help preserve his art for future generations and inspire others to discover the hidden stories behind military history and creative achievement.
You can follow me on Instagram and Facebook as I search for his paintings and celebrate successes when I discover new works!
Instagram:
Facebook:
Organizer
Nestor Vallar
Organizer
San Diego, CA