Patricia Rodriguez, a renowned Chicana muralist, artist, curator, and educator, passed away in her sleep at UCSF Medical Center in the early hours of June 30.
Known for her vibrant contributions to the art community, Rodriguez co-founded Las Mujeres Muralistas in 1972, the first women-centered muralist collective in the United States.
Together with fellow San Francisco Art Institute graduate Graciella Carrillo, they painted their first mural in Balmy Alley, right across the street from their own apartment in the Mission District.
Susan Cervantes, co-founder of Precita Eyes, fondly recalls visiting Balmy Alley to witness Rodriguez and Carrillo at work.
“I would go almost every day to watch them paint, to see women up on the scaffolding. Just to give them snacks and moral support,” said Cervantes.
Brooke Oliver, a resident of Balmy Alley, described Rodriguez as nothing short of “pura corazon”—pure heart.
Born in 1944 in Marfa, Texas, Rodriguez grew up under the care of a single mother.
At the age of 11, she moved to Oxnard, California, where she began her higher education at Ventura College before transferring to the San Francisco Art Institute in 1970.
It was during her time at SFAI that Rodriguez formed deep friendships with fellow artists and collaborators Graciella Carrillo, Consuelo Mendez, and Irene Pérez.
While the group supported each other’s individual projects, they only collaborated on a shared mural in 1974—the impressive “Latino America,” which was once located at 2920 Mission Street.
“Patricia had such a good character, so strong-willed,” recalled former muralista Mendez.
“She was the drive that brought us together and ensured that our history was preserved.”
Rodriguez earned her MFA from California State University, Sacramento in 1975, becoming a significant advocate for women pursuing higher education throughout her life, according to her longtime friend Janice Vela.
In 1977, she broke barriers by becoming the first female professor in the Chicano Studies program at the University of California, Berkeley, and was also the first to teach Chicano Art History there.
After spending some time teaching in New Mexico during the ’90s, she returned to California in 1998 and continued her teaching career at various state and community colleges.
Rodriguez was beloved in the Mission District, having made a lasting impact in the community through her art and mentorship.
Artist and curator Rio Yañez regarded her as “one of our heroes growing up in the Mission District” and acknowledged the profound legacy she left that resonates across generations.
Her artistic contributions are evident throughout the neighborhood, with notable works such as “Kool Blue” (1975) on Army and Harrison streets, “Women’s Contribution” (1983) at the Women’s Building, and the still-standing mural “Fantasy World for Children” on 24th and York streets at Mini Park.
“She was someone who always made herself available to artists,” Yañez remarked.
“She was so hands-on and a cornerstone of the arts community, and her legacy can still be seen in the murals today.”
In 2001, Rodriguez was appointed as curator of the Mission Cultural Center for Latino Art, a role she held until 2009.
This past August through October, the center showcased a retrospective exhibition titled “ARTEria del Corazon de Patricia Rodriguez,” celebrating her life’s work and artistic vision.
Rodriguez is preceded in death by her two younger brothers, William and Benjamin Montgomery, whose passing inspired her more spiritual works in later years, according to Vela.
She is survived by her partner Roberto Correa, her close-knit community of friends, extended family in California and Texas, and the many young artists she mentored throughout her lifetime.
A memorial service for Rodriguez will be held on Friday, July 25, at the Victoria Theatre located at 2961 16th Street.
Doors will open at 6 p.m., and the program will take place from 7-9 p.m.
image source from：missionlocal
