Astrid (Alexanian) Menatian

88, died peacefully on November 7, 2026 after a life devoted to her family and to her unparalleled artistic vision. Astrid was an artist in the truest sense, endowed with the rare ability to transform humble ingredients into a feast, and ordinary materials into evocative masterworks. She transformed herself as well, manifesting exactly who she wanted to be in the world.

Born and raised in Havana, Cuba, Astrid inherited her resilience and resourcefulness from her parents, Krikor and Noyemzar (Khimatian) Alexanian, who each immigrated to Cuba after fleeing conditions of the Armenian genocide. Astrid made her way to the U.S. as a teenager. She arrived in Rhode Island fluent in Armenian and Spanish, but with no knowledge of English. She would soon master that language as well.

In 1961, she married her husband Steve and continued to build on her education over the years, all while raising their family of three boys. When her sons became older and more independent, Astrid pursued a college degree at RISD, earning a BFA in Sculpture. Decades later, many of her art pieces are still remembered and spoken about, especially the grass installation that magically appeared overnight, spanning a section of Benefit Street. After following up her art education at RISD by earning an MFA at Hunter College in New York City, Astrid settled back home in Greenville, RI. She was among the first artists to obtain a studio space at AS220 in Providence when it was first established in the mid 1980s. This would become the base for her prolific art career and the countless works that she would go on to create in a variety of different media. Her family will deeply miss her presence and will carry her spirit of vitality always.

In addition to her husband Steve, who remained steadfast in her care over the past few years, her legacy lives on through her three sons: Michael and his wife, Erin; Mark and his wife, Lynn; and David. Her two grandchildren, Tessa and Daniel, will forever treasure the many special memories of their Abuela, especially the days spent at the Cape house every summer. Astrid was the youngest among her three siblings: Nevart Mahdesian, Anthony “Anto” Alexanian, and Moorad Alexanian. Anto passed away just four days prior to Astrid.

Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday, November 17th at Sts. Vartanantz Armenian Apostolic Church in Providence from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., followed by a Funeral Service at 11 a.m., all to which relatives and friends are invited.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: AS220, 95 Mathewson St. – Suite 204, Providence, RI 02903 or Sts. Vartanantz Church, 402 Broadway, Providence, RI 02909.