Watermelons on Table, an oil painting on wood, was inspired by the artwork of Mexican painter Rufino Tamayo.

Part of his professional growth has included membership in CALACA Latino Cultural Arts Collective, an organization of Latino artists. Members of this group exhibit at various events, including a Day of the Dead festival at the Arizona State University Museum of Anthropology. “We want to share our art so that maybe those who see it will be encouraged to try painting or some other art form,” Galicia explains. “We want to encourage young Latinos to be proud of their heritage.”

Galicia displays paintings at the University Club of Phoenix, his employer. Studio space for his completed canvases continues to be a challenge, yet the prolific artist says quality, not quantity, remains his goal. “It’s nice when I sell something, but it’s more important to be happy with myself as an artist,” he explains. “My goal is to give meaning to the work.”

Laczko says she has known Galicia for several years and finds special meaning seeing his growth as an artist. “It’s very exciting to know someone who is sort of the poster boy for living the dream of making a living doing what you love,” says Laczko. “Ruben doesn’t expect to start at the top. He knows he has a lot to learn. But it’s very special to see an artist developing his craft.”