L. “Elly” Talaba has received many outstanding awards, including Springfield, Illinois State Museum's Craftsman of the Year Award for a large-forged copper scale with cast bronze weights and a carved walnut base, the Boston Museum Lewis Black Award for an intaglio print, two cash awards at the Ball State University National Sculpture Show for humorous cast animals and the Library of Congress Exhibit Award for a Smithsonian Group Exhibit, which involved her colorful print traveling to museums for five years and a special honor to be chosen.

Her art and science project called "Butterfly Pets in Oregon" on YouTube was part of a Springfield, Oregon school grant done by two distinguished teachers. The amazing event helped an autistic boy in her art class speak enthusiastically for the first time about his large, yard-wide-wing flapping moth.

Artworks created by children who are different, shy or depressed can meet others and together art becomes a true healer of spirit.

Her own artworks have a fascinating style. She enjoys creating unusual animals with a twist of whimsical humor. She cast Oregon Moth Man from lost wax to bronze and finished him this year. She adds: Teaching sculpture in universities and colleges, then working with children in grade schools and art centers using “recycled” sculpture materials provides immense pleasure.

Henry Ford Foundation and Burton Foundation purchased oil paintings – and others. International, national, regional exhibits include one woman gallery shows. Six grants were in art, sculpture and writing. Her academic awards include a BFA and MFA with honors.