40 Years of Collecting Shared through “Cheech Collects” Exhibition at The Cheech

04 May 40 Years of Collecting Shared through “Cheech Collects” Exhibition at The Cheech

The story of Cheech Marin’s efforts as a passionate and laser-focused collector is the theme of “Cheech Collects,” the inaugural exhibition featuring works from the permanent collections of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture of Riverside Art Museum (aka “The Cheech”).

“Cheech Collects” tells the story of building a major private collection from the first works acquired by a collector through the most recent acquisitions. Intended as a celebration of the foremost champion of the Chicano School of Art, Marin does not bother with past debates on the legitimacy of this art movement, but dares to posit that it is the most significant American art movement to date — he is unflinching in his faith and commitment to the excellence of this art.

The creation of The Cheech furthers Marin’s advocacy and is expected to continue to shape the art world’s perceptions and understanding of Chicano art. Inarguably, the collector’s efforts have brought unprecedented attention to Chicana/o art with exhibitions and loans from his collection to over 50 museums nationally and internationally.

Almost 120 works drawn from Marin’s generous gift of over 500 works to Riverside Art Museum and others from his personal collection will be on view starting June 18, 2022. In December 2022, these initial works will be replaced with another selection of works to produce a second iteration of the inaugural presentation that will be on view through June 18, 2023.

The exhibition includes iconic works that have toured as part of the nationally touring Chicano Visions: American Painters on the Verge and other notable exhibitions, works that have not often been exhibited, and some that will be on view for the very first time, reflecting a 40-year span of art production.

To learn more, visit www.riversideartmuseum.org/exhibits/cheech-collects.