Memorial

Celebrating the Life and Art
of Rudy Fernandez

Rudy Fernandez was a visionary artist whose work explored memory, culture, and identity through a deeply personal and expressive lens. Rooted in the traditions of the American Southwest and shaped by his heritage, his work continues to resonate with collectors, institutions, and all who experienced it.
We invite you to join us in Santa Fe as we gather to honor his life, his work, and his enduring legacy.

Artwork Title: Every Story Has a Beginning and an End

Memorial Reception

Family, friends, and members of the arts community are invited to gather for an evening celebrating Rudy Fernandez’s life and artistic legacy.

DATE
Saturday, June 6, 2026

TIME
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM

LOCATION
Vladem Museum
New Mexico Museum of Art

ADDRESS
404 Montezuma Avenue, 2nd Floor
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87501

ATTIRE
Guests are welcome to wear reception attire. In the spirit of celebrating Rudy’s life, traditional black attire is not expected.

Kindly RSVP for planning purposes.

You will be directed to a short form—if you’ve already shared your information, please simply confirm your attendance.

Getting to Santa Fe

Santa Fe is accessible through two nearby airports, both offering convenient access to the city and the Vladem Contemporary.

SANTA FE REGIONAL AIRPORT (SAF)
Located approximately 15 minutes from downtown. As a smaller regional airport, flight options may be more limited, and fares can be higher.

ALBUQUERQUE INTERNATIONAL SUNPORT (ABQ)
Located about 1 hour south of Santa Fe, with more frequent flights and competitive fares.

Many visitors choose to fly into Albuquerque and enjoy the beautiful drive north to Santa Fe.

Artwork Title: Curtain Call

Artwork Title: Monument to Immortality

Transportation

For guests flying into Albuquerque International Sunport (ABQ), Santa Fe is approximately 1 hour north.

RENTAL CAR
A convenient option, with a scenic drive to Santa Fe.

SHUTTLE SERVICE
Regular shared shuttles run between Albuquerque and Santa Fe.
Reserve in advance: New Mexico Shuttle

PRIVATE CAR SERVICE/RIDE SHARE
Ride share services such as Uber and Lyft are available.

For guests who prefer to pre-arrange transportation, private car services can be reserved in advance, including:
Santa Fe Valet.

Hotel Accommodations

Room blocks have been reserved at the following hotels for guests attending the memorial reception:

HILTON SANTA FE HISTORIC PLAZA

100 Sandoval Street, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Book by Phone: 1-800-236-3190
Reference: Rudy Fernandez Memorial OR Group Code 91B

*Special rate cutoff date: Monday, May 4th*

THE SAGE HOTEL

725 Cerrillos Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico
Book by Phone: 505-982-5952
Reference Code: RFM

Artwork Title: Escape

In Honor of Rudy Fernandez

Share a Memory

Rudy Fernandez’s life and work touched many people across the arts community and beyond.

We invite friends, colleagues, collectors, and admirers of Rudy’s work to share a memory, reflection, or message. Stories, photographs, and reflections are all welcome. You can share memories via the button below or bring them with you to the reception!

Selected memories may be shared with the family or included in future efforts to honor Rudy’s legacy.

Artwork Title: Chaktuchak Bangkok Burning

QUESTIONS

For questions regarding the memorial reception, please email [email protected] or click the link below.

Rudy Fernandez