Paradise Valley celebrates artist-in-residence opening

By Allison Kotzbauer
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Paintings of landscapes and still lifes in ornate gold frames lined the walls of Paradise Valley Town Hall as residents gathered Oct. 13 to celebrate Martin Galbut’s year as the town’s artist-in-residence.

Family, friends, town residents, council members and staff attended the opening reception, where guests enjoyed food and music performed by members of the Phoenix Symphony while viewing Galbut’s work displayed throughout the building.

For Galbut, the evening marked the culmination of years of dedication to his art and an opportunity to share it with the community.

“It feels wonderful. I’m really thrilled,” he said. “I’ve had so many people helping, and it’s been terrific. Tonight’s really fun.”

During remarks at the reception, Galbut encouraged attendees to find a passion outside their careers, whether painting, photography, dancing or another creative pursuit, and to begin exploring it early in life.

“Just picking something that they love doing that is not their profession,” he said. “And as the years go by, it can become more prominent and more fulfilling or rewarding.”

Galbut also praised Paradise Valley for its artist-in-residence program, saying he hopes other communities will establish similar opportunities for local artists.

“Every town in our community should have this. They could do it,” he said. “And this is the template for it.”

Council Member Karen Liepmann, who serves as the council liaison to the arts board, said she was delighted to welcome Galbut and his work to Town Hall.

Galbut’s paintings often reflect places he has visited, allowing viewers to connect his work with their own travels and memories, Liepmann said.

“My grandmother, my mother, and my sister are all artists, and his work reminds me of my grandmother’s art,” she said.

Colleen Steinberg, chair of the arts board, said the artist-in-residence program offers a way to showcase the diverse talents of Paradise Valley residents. She was also pleased to see previous artists in residence attend the opening to support Galbut.

“We’re thrilled to have Martin this year,” Steinberg said. “Seeing his work is like traveling around the world without having to leave Town Hall. He just has visited so many exotic places and captured it so well.”

Through the program, Galbut’s paintings will remain on display at Town Hall for the next year, giving residents and visitors an opportunity to experience his work long after opening night.

Allison Kotzbauer can be reached at akotzbauer@iniusa.org. Please submit comments at yourvalley.net/letters or email them to AzOpinions@iniusa.org. We are committed to publishing a wide variety of reader opinions, as long as they meet our Civility Guidelines

Allison Kotzbauer
Reporter | Paradise Valley

akotzbauer@iniusa.org

Community: I live in central Phoenix and my writing  focuses on Fountain Hills education, and the Paradise Valley and Scottsdale communities. 

Education: I graduated from Arizona State University in May 2026 with a bachelors degree in Journalism and Mass Communication. My studies focused on writing and visual story-telling.  

Random Fact: Growing up I had over 10 pets including 6 cats, 1 dog, 2 hermits crabs, and too many fish to count! 

Hobbies: I like to spend my free time hiking, crafting, cooking, reading, and spending time with friends and family.