@ the Cheech

Through drawings, paintings, photography, and mixed-media sculptures, viewers are invited to critically examine the roots and repercussions of mass incarceration – from its historical origins rooted in racism and inequality to its contemporary manifestations within the criminal justice system and our communities.

A platform for incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and system-impacted individuals to share their stories and personal testimonies, this exhibition seeks to shed light on the ways society has perpetuated erasure and criminalization, from the earliest encounters with indigenous populations to the present-day crisis of mass incarceration.

In collaboration with the UC Riverside Underground Scholars Initiative, this exhibition was co-curated by Maryana Carreon, Fidel Chagolla, Carlos Cruz, Ismael Davila, and Luis Miranda. Uncaged Perspectives features art by 17 local artists: Mark Stanley Bey, Cisco Streetlenz, James Clark, Steve Clark, Eugene Cuypers, Dishon, Humberto Flores, Javier Flores, Miguel Magana, Luis Miranda, Gabriela Molina, Panda, Jair Torres, Arturo Valles, and Vicente Vega.The Underground Scholars Initiative creates a pathway for incarcerated, formerly incarcerated, and system-impacted individuals into higher education through recruitment, retention, advocacy, wellness, and career services.

Join us in celebration of the opening of Uncaged Perspectives. All are welcome to attend, no RSVP needed.

Thursday, March 7, 2024 – 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Location: Altura Credit Union Community Gallery (First floor, The Cheech)


Pictured: “Got it Bad Cause I’m Brown” and Inland Empire Carceral Landscape, Photo credit: Humberto Flores UCLA’ 19 and UCR’ 21 Alumnus, UCSB PhD Student