One of three artist-brothers, Valenzuela grew up in Compton and Artesia, then studied drawing and painting at California State University, Long Beach, earning a B.F.A. in 1985 and an M.F.A. in 1992. His work has been exhibited in many group shows throughout southern California and in Mexico. It was a 1974 trip to Mexico that first got Valenzuela interested in mural painting. Before doing his own murals, he assisted Orange County artist Emigdio Vasquez on two projects in Santa Ana. In summer 1992, Valenzuela, along with Trace Fukuhara and Heather Green worked with 80 Long Beach youth in creating a number of portable murals. (Robin K. Dunitz, Street Gallery, Guide to over 1000 Los Angeles Murals)
