By John C. Nelson
July 8, 2024.
Rudy Mendez’s career as an artist had an inauspicious beginning.
Thirty years ago he received a citation for spray painting graffiti on a concrete slab of the Los Angeles County flood control aqueduct system. He was a typical teenager at the time immersed in the Latin hip hop culture of south-central Los Angeles, but doing everything he could to avoid gang activity flourishing throughout the neighborhoods. In school, Rudy was known as the kid who never stopped drawing. He had been sketching constantly since arriving in the United States from Guatemala as a nine-year-old, not knowing anyone and unable to speak English. He wanted to be an artist. He just did not know how to get started. “To this day, I love sketching with just a ballpoint pen,” said Rudy.
The citation for painting graffiti led to a stint of community service cleaning and painting the classrooms at the adult continuing education Business and Industry School located not far from his home.
The principal of the school noticed Rudy would spend every lunch hour drawing in his sketchbook. He asked to see Rudy’s work. He was so impressed with Rudy’s artwork, he asked him if he would create and paint a mural and a logo for the school. Rudy agreed to do so if the principal agreed to buy Rudy the paint. So began Rudy’s career as an artist. He had his first commission.
“I ordered more paint than I needed so I would have some left over,” explained Rudy. All his spray paint had been confiscated when he was issued the citation.
It was about this time that Rudy’s talent and drive came to the attention of George Evans, chief graphic designer for Warner Brothers Studios. Evan was also impressed. He invited Rudy to join his weekend art classes. Rudy thrived. Evans taught Rudy techniques and tricks of commercial art and how business was conducted.
“I made lots of mistakes at the beginning. It was also the first time I learned about Michelangelo, Rembrandt, Leonardo da Vinci and other masters. I had never heard of them before,” said Rudy.
Rudy soon joined Evans at work, painting scenery and sets for TV and films at Warner Brothers. He also found work at Paramount, CBS and other major studios and landed his own corporate clients. They included Netflix, Spotify, Off White Clothing, The Girl Scouts and others. George Evans and Rudy remain close friends to this day.
In 2015, wanting to spread his wings and responding to ever growing career opportunities on the east coast, Rudy moved to the Miami / Ft. Lauderdale, Florida area. It’s there, while primarily painting murals, that he met his wife and began raising a family.
Today, at 48 years old, Rudy and his family live in Ashe County. His two children attend elementary school. When they started classes this last fall, Rudy volunteered his services to the school’s art teacher. This led to an introduction to Joni Ray, Director of the Ashe County Arts Council.
Rudy, who remains first and foremost a street artist in his own mind’s eye, was tapped to mentor the Ashe County School’s The Colorful Impact Summer Camp Program. The camp program signed up a busload of 5ththrough 12th grade students to paint a crosswalk mural at the intersection of School Street and East Main Street in West Jefferson in front of the Arts Council Building. Rudy was sponsored for his efforts by the Arts Council and town officials. The street was cordoned off from traffic, tents were erected and the students set about painting the last week of June under Rudy’s direction.
Rudy feels it is imperative that he gives back to the community. “I’ve had so many people help me with my career, I hope I can repay the art world by helping students realize their opportunities,” explained Rudy.
Rudy juggles his camp duties with a heavy workload. He recently delivered a commemorative anniversary family portrait to a wealthy couple in Delaware. The week after The Colorful Impact street painting is completed, he flies to Florida to paint an outdoor mural for Hagen Das.
When time allows, Rudy is hoping to find space to open his own studio in Ashe County where he can further mentor aspiring art students much like George Evans did for him. “If I can help them develop a portfolio of work, I will feel as if I’ve accomplished something important.” Rudy’s website is www.fineartsfactory.net.
ABOUT THE ASHE COUNTY ARTS COUNCIL
The Ashe County Arts Council is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to enriching the cultural life of our region through nurturing and supporting the arts. For over 40 years, Ashe County Arts Council has championed arts as a catalyst for change and economic growth, positioning Ashe County as a cultural destination. Ashe County Arts Council’s programming, including concerts, arts education, festivals, and community collaborations, reflects our commitment to accessibility and quality of life enhancement for all citizens. With two dedicated facilities and a robust volunteer network, the Arts Council continues to innovate and inspire, celebrating our heritage and embracing the arts as a vital component of community development and cohesion. More information can be found by visiting www.ashecountyarts.org or by calling 336-846-2787.