There’s a new greeter on the promenade in front of the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Arts and Culture. Sculptor and pioneer of Chicano art Ignacio Gomez, was commissioned to create a life-sized bronze statue of the Museum’s namesake, Cheech Marin. At the entrance to the building, with his name above the doors, the statue “Cheech” stands with open arms, offering a warm greeting to each visitor. Unlike some famous flops that have popped up recently in the news, this statue absolutely nails the subject. It looks like Cheech and captures the spirit of the universally known and beloved man.
“Meet me at the Cheech” became a rallying cry during the early stages of the Museum’s organization and fundraising. Cheech used the phrase during the first press conference announcing the project.
The unveiling of this statue is the culmination of the work started by the late Ofelia Valdez-Yeager. The statue was the last of her projects at the Cheech before her passing. Even in her absence, Ofelia’s love and passion for the Cheech still provide the energy that drives the institution.
During their speeches at the statue unveiling ceremony, both Ignacio Gomez and Cheech described Ofelia as a guardian.
Gomez said, “Ofelia was a guardian angel. Because of her, we have Cesar Chavez (the statue of Chavez by Gomez, also commissioned by Ofelia on the Main Street Mall)... because of her, we have the Cheech Museum in Riverside, and because of her, we have this Cheech statue.”
In his presentation, Cheech continued the theme: “Ofelia was my friend and my guardian. Because of her, we can be here today.”
These are not just platitudes. These men, on the verge of tears, recognized the impact of Ofelia’s work to secure the Cheech’s existence in its current location. Without Ofelia Valdez-Yeager, there would be no Cheech Center for Chicano Arts and Culture, full stop.
As Chicano art becomes mainstream, the artists who display there will become more famous. The Cheech is already driving interest in the movement. The Yolanda Lopez exhibit at the Cheech has shown well and piqued interest in her body of work. Yolanda’s work is more famous as the exhibition draws to an end than when it began.
The Cheech is no longer just a place that houses a collection. The Museum has become a driver of the genre. The Cheech will become a place of pilgrimage for fans of and students of Chicano Art. What began as, and still is in many ways, a movement of protest and identity has become more accepted with familiarity. Many of the principles of the movement have become part of mainstream culture.
This includes Cheech. It is proper and true that Chicano culture is mainstream culture, and the products of that culture are now Americana. His signature will stay on the wall outside long after Cheech Marin is gone. His collection will remain in place on Mission Inn Avenue. The bronze version of Cheech is now there for generations of future visitors.
We will see the patina in the folds of his t-shirt. We will see the polish from thousands of handshakes and rubs on the head. People will come to Riverside with the intent to see Ignacio Gomez’s work. Students on field trips will have their pictures taken with the statue.
The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture will be as much a part of Cheech’s legacy as his successful comedy and film career. We will know the name of the side of the building and the names of the artists on display.
As things age and become established, we tend to forget the work and vision at the genesis of these institutions. The conviction, the advocacy, and the fundraising that got it started to get lost in the celebrations of successes and the work it takes to maintain places like the Cheech over time.
I know there will be a monument to remind those future generations of Ofelia Valdez-Yeager. Her family will tell you they already feel her there.
The face of the Cheech is Richard “Cheech” Marin; the heart of the Cheech is the art on the walls and the movements and personalities from which they emerge. The spirit of the Cheech is Ofelia.
