Support Independent Arts Journalism As an independent publication, we rely on readers like you to fund our journalism. If you value our coverage and want to support more of it, consider becoming a member today . Already a member? Sign in here.
Support Hyperallergic’s independent arts journalism for as little as $8 per month. Become a Member A new life-sized statue celebrating actor and Chicano art collector Cheech Marin was unveiled on Tuesday, November 19, outside his namesake arts and culture center in Riverside, California. Entitled “Meet Me at The Cheech” in honor of the nickname for the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, the bronze sculpture depicts Marin with open arms in a gesture of warm welcome to visitors.
It is situated in front of the center, which opened in June 2022 as part of a partnership with the Riverside Art Museum and is home to Marin’s personal art collection , claimed to be the largest known private trove of Chicano art. “Meet Me at The Cheech” was created by East Los Angeles artist Ignacio Gómez, whose work has centered on Chicano culture and community for decades. Gómez told Hyperallergic that he based the work on drawn sketches and photographs he took of Marin, adding that he was “deeply honored” to be commissioned for the project, having grown up watching Marin’s movies.
Get the latest art news, reviews and opinions from Hyperallergic. Daily Weekly Opportunities “I’ve been a fan of Cheech for the longest time a.