Public Murals and Statues
Riverside is committed to developing public spaces and to making them beautiful. The city has sponsored mural and sculpture projects all over town. You will certainly notice.
Downtown
Peace Walk
These six, privately funded statues on the Main Street walking mall represent local and international leaders from the Civil RIghts and Peace movements. The large-scale works start near City Hall and dot Main all the way to its end at sixth. Whether on a casual stroll or an intentional adventure stop when you see one and enjoy the bronze statues and read about the subject’s contributions to Riverside and beyond.
Meet Me at the Cheech
Riverside’s most recent addition to its bronze collection is the life-sized statue of Cheech Marin on the promenade at the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture. The tribute to the actor, comedian, and art collector was created by famed artist Ignacio Gomez, who also sculpted the Cesar Chavez bronze on Main. Cheech stands at the door, arms open, greeting each visitor as they enter the museum. The Cheech has become a cultural hub and meeting place for Riversiders and a major attraction for visitors to the city. Stop by and take a selfie with Cheech, which is an irresistible token of your Riverside visit.
Downtown Murals
You will see dozens of murals decorating Downtown as you move about. You can also make a more deliberate effort to discover what a truly excellent collection of public art is. Here are a couple to get you started on your search.
U’mun Chemqal Eppa
4049 Main St. Riverside CA 92501
The title of this mural is a Native Cahuilla phrase meaning “We Are Still Here.” This grand painting, produced by Rosy Cortes, depicts three generations of Native women and reminds the viewer that Native people and culture are not remnants of Riverside’s past, but they are “still here” as part of our community in the present and future.
Jeff Soto and Maxx Gramajo have been painting together for over thirty years. The Riverside natives have built successful art and design careers both together and on their own. The parking lot behind Pixels on University is one of their finest mutual efforts. The distinct images of Gramajo’s woman with an octopus and Soto’s three owls are not stylistically similar but they are woven together in such a way to achieve unity. Jeff and Maxx are masters of their techniques and media. This one is worth checking out.
Jeff Soto and Maxx Gramajo Collaboration
3535 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92501
Midtown
Riverside’s commitment to the arts doesn’t end Downtown. Magnolia Center is a bustling economic engine within the city containing some of Riverside’s most beloved retail and restaurant locations. A formal effort to add to the mid-century charm of the neighborhood with several mural projects has been a great success. Here are a few for you to seek out as Market Street turns to Magnolia Avenue on your way out of Downtown.
The Sire is Magnolia Avenue’s 21-to-infinity gathering spot for many generations of Riversiders. This “more than a dive” bar boasts an iconic neon sign along Riverside’s main thoroughfare. The beloved image of a jockey and a horseshoe, taken from a design on a coaster, has been created by local muralist Juan Navarro in paint on the side of the building. Stop in and have a drink. Pro Tip: A Sire T-shirt is an authenticity indicator around town and a conversation starter almost anywhere.
The Vitamin Shoppe at Central Avenue and De Anza used to have one of the biggest blank walls in town. Blank no more; local artist Mano Mirande has captured the mid-century spirit of the area with a few nostalgic nods to local landmarks like the vintage Riverside Plaza sign. The “back in the day” vibe is further enhanced with a couple of old Chevy’s. This mural has really captured the hearts of Riversiders, young and old.
Sunnyside Drive is a true throwback to a different time. It is a piece of pre-mall Americana. There are several large murals tucked into alleyways and parking lots along the street. Most conspicuously Ekaterina Orlovie’s “Welcome to Sunnyside” mural on De Anza across from the RIverside Plaza. The sunny, mid century vibes of the Sunnyside murals add the whimsy of 1960’s illustrations and translate perfectly to the environment.
NOTE: If you stand in the right spot you might be able to see The Sire, The Vitamin Shoppe, and Sunnyside murals at the same time; we recommend grabbing a [coffee at Condron] and taking it all in.
La Sierra University
La Sierra is about as far from Downtown as you can get without leaving Riverside. The University, one of three in the city, may not get the same attention as some of the other places, but its fine arts and design college is fostering some really great artists and attracting some very high-level guests. The Brandstater Gallery is the campus showcase, and there are some hidden gems of murals in and around the gallery. It is open to the public; check here for events and hours, and check in with security at the gate.
Pavel Acevedo has roots in Riverside, is a long-time associate at Urge Palette, and, along with Gallery Director Tim Musso, among a handful of artists on the vanguard of a modern linotype movement, Pavel’s art can be seen all over the United States and Mexico. He created an incredible large-scale mural of a young woman outside of the Brandstater Gallery.
Elizabeth Jean Younce lends her expertise in printmaking and Addeline Griswold’s brings her pop art illustrative style to large scale murals at the La Sierra School of Art and Design.
