Lisa Caroline Galli

Falmouth- Lisa Caroline Galli passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026 from complications related to early onset Alzheimer’s disease. Born on September 27, 1957, in New York City, Lisa spent her formative years in Morristown, New Jersey where she attended Kent Place School. But Lisa’s love of nature drew her to Vermont, where she finished high school at Stowe School and spent summers working on a farm in Ludlow. In the 1970’s she participated in winter outdoor education and training programs at the Sterling School and Hurricane Island Outward Bound. Lisa received her B.S. in forestry from the University of Maine, after which she was hired by the U.S. Forest Service in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Although Lisa ultimately switched careers and worked as a Special Education teacher in California, she was also a uniquely talented artist, specializing in ceramics, molding works by hand using the coil method rather than a potter’s wheel. She is well known as an early participant in Burning Man, where in 1996 she installed massive monoliths in the Nevada desert that she called MudHenge. Her ceramic sculptures are also exhibited at several locations in Northern California including the Occidental Ecology and Arts Center in Sonoma. In describing Lisa’s creative talent, one of her closest friends called her a “quiet force.”

Lisa obtained a Master of Fine Arts degree from San Francisco State College and a Master of Education from Arizona State College.

The world has been graced by Lisa’s presence. Her wide circle of friends and the support they provided her when she was diagnosed with the disease are a testament to her loving character, sense of humor and sensitivity. Lisa was the ultimate free spirit. She was happiest outside, where nature fed her soul, inspired her art, and where she’d spent countless hours hiking with one of her dogs.

Lisa’s parents, Keith and Marti Galli predeceased her. She is survived by her sister, Odette Thurston, of Falmouth Maine as well as Odette’s husband Scott and her Aunt and Uncle Sandra and Michel Ferber of Accord, New York. The family wishes to thank The McLellan in Brunswick and Hospice of Southern Maine for the love and care they provided for Lisa.

There will be no services

Donations may be made in her name to Hospice of Southern Maine or the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland.