In Loving Memory of Tom Valenti

I wanted to write a blog post in remembrance of a wonderful man, Tom Valenti. He served as President of Allied Artists of America for 11 years. I remember Tom stepping into the role after Gary T. Erbe, who also served as President for 11 years. It takes a special kind of person to lead an organization for that length of time, with dedication, patience, and heart.

I spoke to Gary recently about Tom. They had been friends years before Tom took on the presidency, and Gary was always very fond of him. See photo below of Tom at The Salmagundi Club's President's Dinner in 2007, where Gary received the Salmagundi Medal of Honor. Tom enthusiastically came to support Gary.

Shown left to right: Dr. Louis A. Zona — Executive Director, The Butler Institute of American Art; Peter Trippi — Editor-in-Chief, Fine Art Connoisseur; Vincent Nardone — Board Member; Gary T. Erbe — Allied’s President Emeritus; and Tom Valenti.

Tom would often visit Gary in his studio, where they spent many afternoons discussing art.

Gary shared with him some of the “tricks of the trade,” including how to prepare canvases. From early on, Gary knew that Tom’s kind and endearing nature would make him a perfect fit for President of Allied. He was right. When Gary invited Tom to take on the role, Tom accepted with enthusiasm and ultimately became a very successful leader.

I was on the board when Tom became President, and I can attest that he always had a smile on his face. He was a delight to be around and always had a joke ready that would make everyone laugh.

Tom also had many memorable moments during his presidency. See photo below, where he and fellow board members made history at the Stock Exchange. Allied celebrated its 100th Anniversary by opening the NASDAQ Stock Exchange on March 6, 2014.

Shown left to right: Noha Valenti, board member -Lucille Berrill Paulsen, Tom Valenti, and board member, Mike Rohner.

Tom was also a Co-Founder of the America China Oil Painting Artists League (ACOPAL), an organization created to bridge the gap between American and Chinese. He along with artist Paul McCormack and others, put together some stellar exhibitions for ACOPAL. See photo below where Tom proudly stands with a roster of incredible artists at The Butler Institute of American Art in Youngstown, Ohio.

Shown left to right: Katie O'Hagan, Nanette Fluhr, Tom Valenti, Peter Fiore, Paul McCormack, Patricia Watwood, Teresa Elliot, Susan Lyon, Scott Burdick, and Max Ginsburg.

Beyond his leadership at Allied, Tom was an accomplished and deeply respected artist. He was internationally recognized for his watercolor and oil paintings, especially his beautifully rendered tonal cityscapes and rural scenes. His works were exhibited at The Butler Institute of American Art, The Salmagundi Club, The National Arts Club, and museums across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Tianjin, and Zhejiang. His paintings also found homes in permanent collections at Rutgers University, Lipton Tea Company, and Hoffman–LaRoche. His career reflected both artistry and a genuine love for sharing beauty with the world.

Tom was also a generous educator. He taught at the Montclair Art Museum, Bergen Community College, and the Art Center of Northern New Jersey, inspiring many students with his passion for craft and his warm, approachable spirit. He served as juror, lecturer, and mentor for countless artists along the way. His artistry was matched only by his giving nature, which made him beloved by so many.

Double Profile, by Tom Valenti, Oil on Canvas, 24 x 36 in

Sweeper at the Met, by Tom Valenti, Oil on canvas, 26 x 34 in

Tom is survived by his wife, Noha Khalil-Valenti, and their daughter, Dana Valenti. My heart goes out to Noha and Dana at this difficult time. On behalf of Allied Artists of America, we send them our deepest condolences and gratitude for sharing Tom with all of us. We will always remember that kind and loving energy he projected to all of us.

Tom Valenti leaves behind a legacy of kindness, creativity, leadership, and friendship. He gave so much to Allied Artists of America, to his students, to his friends, and to the art community at large. I feel grateful to have known him, and grateful that his joyful spirit touched Allied for so many years.

--Gabriela Gonzalez Dellosso, President

Allied Artists of America