“I will not be governed by fear, I will be guided by compassion, open defiance to systems of oppression, and unity with like-minded individuals in maintaining and voicing the power we have as a community.”
Francisco Velez Anzueto, Tucson muralist, artist, educator, and activist, died February 12, 2024, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Paco was a much-loved husband, son, son-in-law, brother, nephew, uncle, doggie dad, and friend to many.
Known to all as Paco, he was born in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, on July 14, 1969, to Edith Aurora Anzueto Yañez and Francisco Velez de Rosales. He is survived by his wife Sarah K Smith, his mother Edith, stepfather Julio César Sarmiento, sisters Bertha Adriana Sarmiento Anzueto (Jose Luis Gutierrez Zamora) and Enid Amanda Sarmiento Anzueto (nephews Victor Aaron and Diego Israel, niece Sophia Xareni), brother Victor Hugo Sarmiento Anzueto (Ivonne Armenta, nephews Liam and Saul). He was predeceased by his birth father Francisco Velez de Rosales.
Paco and his wife Sarah founded Studio ONE: A Space for Art and Activism in downtown Tucson’s Warehouse Arts District. Paco was instrumental in saving the the Toole Shed Warehouse from private development and securing it as a community arts space.
He graduated from Nogales High School in Nogales, AZ, and from the University of Arizona in Tucson with degrees in Studio Art and Art History. Paco’s activism as an artist, teacher, and in social services propelled movements for rights for LGBTQ+ youth and adults, BIPOC community members, immigrants, undocumented folx, survivors of domestic violence, people living with HIV/AIDS, youth and education, and animal rescue.
As an immigrant to the U.S. who grew up on the border, Paco’s compelling and colorful paintings and murals focus on bringing social justice issues to light and celebrating Mexican and Mayan culture. Over the last decade, Paco traveled the world and now his murals adorn buildings in the U.S., Mexico, China, and Saudi Arabia.
Public Memorial Celebration
Saturday, March 2nd
3:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Studio ONE: A Space for Art and Activism
197 E Toole Avenue
Tucson, AZ 85701
Visitation at Del Angel (South Lawn) will be held Sunday, March 3rd from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to https://www.gofundme.com/f/tragic-loss-of-paco-velez-anzueto
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