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CSJCL Announces Grand Opening of the Museum of Riverside’s Centennial Exhibition, “Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love”

07/24/2024

A web banner displaying the location of the art exhibit Dear Riverside

The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties is thrilled to announce it is hosting the Museum of Riverside’s highly anticipated exhibit, “Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love.” This captivating exhibition which explores the deep connection between the Museum of Riverside’s unique collection over the past 100 years and the Riverside community, will open to the public on Thursday, July 25, 2024, at 5:30 p.m. and will remain on view until January 5, 2025.

The festivities will commence with a grand opening reception at the RCC Culinary Arts Academy Restaurant, located at 3801 Market St., Riverside, CA 92501, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Attendees are invited to experience the rich culinary offerings of the restaurant and enjoy the inaugural viewing of the exhibit at the Center. The reception will feature a series of special events designed to honor and celebrate the new exhibition.

At 5:30 p.m., guests will be welcomed with a traditional bird singing performance by the CAHUILLA BIRD, a powerful cultural expression that pays tribute to the past, present, and future. Following the performance, Michael Madrigal from the Cahuilla Band of Indians will conduct a blessing ceremony to honor and sanctify The Center’s First-Floor gallery space, providing a meaningful start to the exhibit.

“Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love” is a thoughtfully curated exhibit that captures the essence of Riverside’s cultural and historical landscape through a diverse collection of compelling objects. The exhibit invites visitors to explore the city’s past and present, offering a reflective journey that celebrates Riverside’s vibrant community and cultural heritage. The exhibit aims to foster a deeper understanding of Riverside’s history, identity, and its ongoing evolution. Museum of Riverside director, Dr. Robyn Peterson states, “The Museum of Riverside knows that its collections have been hidden away for too long, as the Museum awaits its new facility, so we’re thrilled to have the opportunity that the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties has provided to us to offer an exhibition drawn exclusively from our Riverside-based collections.  We invite all to bring their curiosity and experience the stories shared.”

Event Speakers and Support

The grand opening will feature an engaging lineup of speakers and community members such as Riverside Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson, City Manager Mike Futrell, and others.

In addition to the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties in the Riverside Community College District, supporters of Dear Riverside include: the Riverside Community College District, the City of Riverside, Dwight Tate and Kathy Wright, and the Riverside Museum Associates.

The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties director, Dr. Tracy Fisher states, “Dear Riverside includes a diverse array of significant pieces from the Museum’s collection. Textiles, documents, paintings, botanical specimens, and more are all on display. The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties is thrilled to be able to support the Museum of Riverside for its landmark exhibition, 100 years in the making. We invite the community to join us in the centennial celebration."

Visit the Exhibit

“Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love” is free to the public and will be available for viewing at the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties during the following hours:

      • Tuesday-Friday: 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

      • First Thursday Arts Walk of each month: 12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.

      • Be sure to check the Center’s website for details about additional programs, dates, and times.

For more information about the exhibit and to stay updated on future events, please visit the The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties’ website at: https://socialjustice.rccd.edu and follow them on Instagram @socialjusticeriverside.

Join us as we celebrate Riverside’s rich cultural, historic, and artistic heritage and its vibrant community through “Dear Riverside, a Letter to Our First Love.” We look forward to welcoming you to this exceptional exhibit and sharing in the beauty and creative spirit of Riverside.

A flyer promoting Dear Riverside, a letter to our first love at the Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties

 

The Center for Social Justice & Civil Liberties
3855 Market St., Riverside, CA 92501 

https://socialjustice.rccd.edu 
@socialjusticeriverside

Published by External Relations & Strategic Communications