CHILDHOOD TRAILS, KEEPING THE GIFT ALIVE

Tom Galli grew up on a piece of land where he didn’t need to cross any roads. “As a kid, I could just walk out into my backyard…and keep going.”

Raised in the tight-knit community of Kent Woodlands in Kentfield, California, Tom remembers a childhood defined by orchards, creeks, and the kind of freedom that comes from being surrounded by open land, providing the impetus to becoming a landscape architect.

Tom recalls, “It was a very small community where there was only one way in, and one way out.” He lived with his older brother, Tim, his mother, Frances, and his father, Stan Galli, renowned commercial illustrator. Their house itself was a work of art, designed by celebrated architect William Wurster.

Tom’s father, Stan, poured his energy into his art, often bringing a “work in progress” to display at the dinner table each evening. There, the family gathered not just for a meal, but to share in the creative process, offering thoughts and reflections on his latest work. Tom has very fond memories of this experience that was as fun as it was meaningful. 

Summer vacations from school were sometimes spent on trips to ranches in California and New Mexico. It was here that Stan would work on his illustration assignments and develop thoughts that eventually led to his Early Spanish California paintings. These outings gave the boys even more freedom to roam, discover new environments, and experience things beyond their everyday world.

Tom describes his dad as, “The most observant person I have ever encountered.” Stan worked from home as a commercial illustrator, and eventually transitioned to fine art. His love of history, particularly the early Spanish California period, guided his work. He was obsessed with ensuring every detail was historically accurate, from clothing and tack to animals and landscapes.

Years later, through his friend and rancher, Barbara Comfort, Tom was introduced to the California Rangeland Trust. Since then, he has been a dedicated supporter for more than 15 years, attending events and giving generously of his time and resources. Most recently, Tom gifted an extraordinary collection of Early Spanish California artwork by his father, Stanley W. Galli.

These remarkable pieces not only celebrate California’s rich history but also help advance the Rangeland Trust’s mission. In fact, we recently auctioned off five of them at our annual event, A Western Affair, and more will be available in the future—so keep an eye out for the next opportunity to own a piece of history while helping to conserve our rangelands.

“Supporting California Rangeland Trust is a connection I feel to the land,” Tom says. “It’s the ability to make sure that these landscapes endure.”

Just as his father’s paintings captured the history and beauty of California’s heritage, Tom’s generosity ensures that the real places behind those images will continue to inspire future generations.

Thank you, Tom, for helping conserve rangelands while honoring the spirit of Stan’s work!