Riverside, CA November 19, 2024 –
This past Tuesday, nearly 200 people gathered at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of the Riverside Art Museum to witness a historic moment: the unveiling of a bronze statue of Cheech Marin, created by Southern California artist Ignacio Gómez. With its outstretched arms, the statue welcomes visitors to The Cheech, embodying Marin’s passion for art and his lifelong advocacy for Chicano culture.
The ceremony was more than an unveiling—it was a celebration of legacy, community, and shared vision. Attendees also honored the late Ofelia Valdez-Yeager, whose tireless commitment brought this project to life. A community organizer and champion of Chicano culture, Valdez-Yeager’s vision inspired the campaign to fund the statue and sustain the programming at The Cheech.
Cheech Marin himself expressed deep gratitude during the event. Reflecting on the journey that brought his collection and this statue to Riverside, he said, “This statue is not just a reflection of my work, but of the incredible power of Chicano art to tell stories, challenge narratives, and bring us together. Riverside has become a home for this art, and I am so humbled to be part of this journey.”
Drew Oberjuerge, Executive Director of the Riverside Art Museum, shared her appreciation for the collaborative effort behind the statue. She highlighted artist Ignacio Gómez’s dedication, saying, “Through realizing Ofelia’s vision for this sculpture, I had the opportunity to get to know artist Ignacio Gómez better. I have a greater appreciation for his technique, his versatility, his long-standing body of work, and his deep respect for Cheech Marin and what he has done for Chicano art.”
Maria Esther Fernández, Artistic Director of The Cheech, spoke of the significance of the new addition. “The statue reflects the open arms and welcoming spirit that have come to define Cheech’s collection and his dedication to sharing Chicana/o/x art widely. It is that spirit that galvanized community members in support of creating this special center that represents the hope and vision for Chicana/o/x art in the American landscape,” she said.
For Ignacio Gómez, creating the statue was a deeply personal honor. “Cheech’s passion for art and culture radiates through his every endeavor. Capturing his spirit in bronze was an honor, and I hope this piece will inspire future generations to embrace and celebrate their roots,” he reflected.
The unveiling also marked the culmination of the “Meet Me at The Cheech” campaign, which raised vital funds for programming and exhibitions at the center. The campaign’s success was made possible by generous supporters, including JPMorganChase, Dr. Georgia Hill, Dwight Tate and Kathy Wright, UNIDOS for the La Causa, Inc., Latino Network, and Spanish Town Heritage Foundation.
As the crowd dispersed, many lingered to admire the statue, a new symbol of cultural pride standing at the gateway to The Cheech. For those who came to celebrate, it was clear that the sculpture was more than just a tribute to Marin—it was a testament to the power of art, the strength of community, and the enduring legacy of Chicano culture in Riverside and beyond.
