Michael Alvarez Presents Mama’s Boys (and Other Stories) at RAM

Riverside, CA —The Riverside Art Museum (RAM) proudly presents Michael Alvarez: Mama’s Boys (and Other Stories), with a free, open-to-the-public Artist Reception and Gallery Talk on Sunday, February 10, 2019, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.

Michael Alvarez grew up in the El Sereno neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, immersed in skateboard and graffiti culture. Through his work, Alvarez chronicles the world as he sees it. His images are incredibly familiar—they are places we see every day and people we know well, captured in a style all Alvarez’s own.

Michael Alvarez: Mama's Boys (and Other Stories), part of The Cheech @ RAM series, opens at @RAMriverside on Feb. 2. Come for the free Reception/Artist Talk to meet Michael as well as artists from RAM's other Winter exhibits, on February 10, 4–7 p.m. #TheCheech @CheechMarin pic.twitter.com/SMdPBg8jgq

— The Cheech (@TheCheechCenter) January 24, 2019

“There is just something groovy about the way Michael Alvarez paints,” says RAM Curator of Exhibitions and Collections, Todd Wingate. “These are people and places we all know, captured with an infectious warmth and humor that reveals his deep fondness for both his subjects and his craft.”

“Michael Alvarez is a young artist that comes out of the Art Center College of Design creating amazing, edgy, and iconic work of himself, his neighborhood, and his social circle,” says Cheech Marin, who is a collector of Alvarez’s work. “He is an excellent painter and he is one to watch.”

This exhibition is part of The Cheech @ RAM series of exhibits leading to the opening of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Arts, Culture & Industry of the Riverside Art Museum.

“As we gear up for the opening of The Cheech in 2021, these exhibitions will give you a glimpse of what’s to come,” says RAM Executive Director, Drew Oberjuerge. “Come be inspired by the artist’s work and join our journey to establish The Cheech.”

About the Artist

Alvarez is a graduate of Art Center College of Design. His paintings have been featured in Juxtapoz, New American Paintings, and Thrasher Magazine, and are part of the Cheech Marin collection.

Exhibit-related Programming

Artists Reception and Gallery Talk: Sunday, February 10, 2019, 4 p.m.–7 p.m.

Please welcome artists from our winter exhibitions, Homeboy Fauxism, Mama’s Boys (and Other Stories), and Beast as they talk about their respective exhibitions.

The Riverside Art Museum integrates art into the lives of people in a way that engages, inspires, and builds community by providing high quality exhibits and art education programs that instill a lifelong love of the arts. RAM relies on the generosity of members and donors to support its exhibitions, education programs, and special events. A 60-plus-year-old, non-profit cultural arts institution housed in a National Historic 1929 building designed by Hearst Castle and AIA Gold Medal-winning architect Julia Morgan, the museum welcomes over 50,000 visitors a year. The museum is open Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. and Sunday, noon–4:00 p.m. For information on exhibits, events, classes, memberships, or sponsorship opportunities, visit www.RiversideArtMuseum.org. For information about the proposed Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture & Industry at the Riverside Art Museum, visit thecheechcenter.org. Find us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/riversideartmuseum), Twitter (RAMRiverside), Instagram (@riversideartmuseum), and Pinterest (www.pinterest.com/ramarts). Text CHEECH to 91999 to donate to The Cheech. With you, it’s happening!