Providence-based artist, curator, and organizer Adrian “Paris” Fernandez (1996-2026) devoted his time and talents to elevating our creative community. He served as Event Coordinator at the Providence Public Library, was the Gallery Facilitator at the Gallery at City Hall with the Providence Department of Art, Culture and Tourism, and was the Gallery Assistant at AS220 Galleries for five years. Paris served as a member of Pneuhaus—an interdisciplinary art and design studio—and advocated for BIPOC collections development. He championed local arts initiatives and helped countless artists find their way from DIY spaces to PVD Fest, all before the age of 30.  

PARIS+FRIENDS at the PPL is inspired by his earliest public efforts in Providence. An offering to our grieving community, the show is a reminder that everything learned from Paris now lives inside of us. PARIS+FRIENDS highlight Paris’ own artwork alongside works donated by the many friends who collaborated with him over the years. In viewing this show, we are reminded to welcome without cynicism; to work collectively because we are a community.

Love and gratitude to Paris’ family, his father, Jerry Fernandez; his mother, Linda M. Velasquez; his siblings, Sarah, Andrew, Philip, Jamie, Armando, Jerry D, Blayse; his grandmother, Maria L. Cardona; and his biological mother, Adriana M. Montoya.

Paris 4-Ever

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This exhibition has been organized by Rebecca Noon (Providence Department of Art, Culture, and Tourism), Neal Walsh (AS220), and Ben Sisto (OPEN). Additional thanks to Aaron Peterman, Jori Ketten, Lizzy Sour, Charlotte Abotsi, Laura Henderson, and all others who offered support and advice. Thank you to the dozens and dozens of local artists and Friends who have loaned work and time to make this celebration possible.