1. In Appreciation of the Life of Artist & Art Teacher Gary R. Sanchez
On Behalf of Students, Instructors and Staff of UNM Continuing Education
Personal Enrichment Programs
1634 University Blvd. NE
Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001
Gary R. Sanchez, Art Instructor, 2013
Untitled Oil Pastel, Student Artwork, Youth Programs, 2013
Untitled Watercolor, Student Artwork, Youth Programs, 2013
“My daughter, Carmen, really enjoyed Mr. Sanchez' Clay Creations class taken Spring 2013, we are grateful that our daughter had the opportunity to learn from him, and that he so generously shared his time and talent with her and so many children in our commu- nity. Carmen still has the coil pots and clay creatures she made and is very proud of them. We are sorry for the loss and extend our condolences to his family and col- leagues.”
Helen, Chris & Carmen Maestas
“This is indeed very sad news. Gary got me started in the UNM Story of NM program which has and will continue to be an integral part of learning the mysteries and history of New Mexico. He also was a special person for helping others to share his passion for art.”
Joe Warren
“Mr. Sanchez was the best art teacher I have ever taken classes from in my 60+ years.”
Professional Art Teacher
“I’m so sorry to hear this…I will keep his fami- ly in my prayers.”
Dawn Gibson
Untitled Watercolor, Student Artwork, Youth Programs, 2013
Sept 14, 1961 - Nov 27, 2014

2. “I'm deeply saddened to learn of Gary's passing. We had met just before Thanksgiving to discuss his teaching art to our group of homeschool kids. He had so many plans and was so excited about this idea; we had the best conversation over pie at Flying Star. My son took a few of his classes at UNM CE and enjoyed them very much. Gary was a gentle and encouraging teacher who truly had a passion for art and teaching. I was looking for- ward to getting to know him better through the homeschool art project.”
Carol Fidel
“I am deeply saddened to hear of his passing. I had the privilege of taking his pastel class and I will miss his kind, artistic heart.”
Diane Sanchez
“God bless Gary Sanchez he was my art teacher, and I looked forward to taking more of his clas- ses. I truly “needed” to take more of his clas- ses. Gary taught my so much and gave me so much confidence and fire for art, I do not know what to do.”
Andy Garcia, Student
“I took many class from Mr. Sanchez. I liked him very much, such a great person. I am very sad to hear this.”
Debbie Conger, Student
“This is truly a loss to our community. I have tak- en several of his classes and found Mr. Sanchez to be such a compassionate person, with kind and encouraging words for everyone. An artist without an ego, blessed with a talent to bring out the best in his students. The good seem to be called early.”
Elsi Sanchez
“I've taken several classes from him and always enjoyed them. He was a great teacher.”
Claire Fenton
“I am so sorry to hear this news. My 94 year old mother and I took a wonderful watercolor class with Gary last year. He was so encouraging and enthusiastic about sharing his passion for painting. Please share condolences on behalf of his students with his family.”
Angela Ness
“I am very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He will be very missed.”
Marjorie St. Clair, Instructor
This is indeed sad news. My wife and I accompa- nied Gary to Tome just a week or so before Thanksgiving. We climbed Tomé Hill and he took extra time to show us the petroglyphs on an out- cropping off the trail. He seemed in robust health.
Todd J. Griffin
Painting of a red rose, by Gary R. Sanchez. Used by instructor for class painting demonstrations.
The UNM community is deeply saddened of the passing of artist and art teacher, Gary R. Sanchez. As a devoted instructor for the Personal Enrichment Programs at UNM Continuing Education, Gary deeply enriched the lives of so many students.
We have compiled messages sent to us in recent days to acknowledge how very deeply Mr. Sanchez impacted the lives of students, and allowed them to explore the world of art.
“I am extremely saddened to hear this as my daughter loved Gary's classes, and him and I talked a lot about NM History.”
Renee Delgado-Riley
“I am deeply saddened by this news. My col- league and I took a watercolor class from him recently and he was an awesome teacher and a kind gentleman. I am so glad I had the opportuni- ty to learn from him.”
Annie Hooten
“A gifted and well-loved art teacher—he will be truly missed.”
Jo Ann Lo Bianco
“Gary was a great guy and excellent teacher. I'm very saddened by this news.”
Betty Tichichm, Student
“I am very sad as he was my first instructor in an oil painting class. I can picture him with his beret hat on :( He will be missed. It is tough to share such bad news, thank you.”
Terry Walton
“I am very sorry to hear of Gary’s passing. He will be very missed.”
Marjorie St. Clair, Instructor