Cheech Marin will always be known for turning stoner comedy into (ahem) high art with tag team partner Tommy Chong, but Marin's spent the last 30 years collecting fine art. Now California's rewarding those efforts with $9.7 million for Cheech's Chicano art museum.
It's part of the new state budget signed Wednesday, with the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art, Culture and Industry set to open in Riverside two years from now. For those of you who want a head start on its nickname -- how it will be referred to alongside LACMA, the Getty, MOCA -- Marin is calling it "The Cheech."
You'll find around 700 paintings, drawings, sculptures, and more. (For a sneak peek, check out the tour KPCC took of his collection back in 2012.)
"I have dreamed for many years of finding a home for the hundreds of pieces of art that I have spent much of my life collecting, protecting and showing, when possible, at major museums around the world," Marin said.
As the museum puts it on its website, the center will explore Chicano culture "from the barrio to the Bay,
"For too long, the story of Latinos and their contributions to the arts have been overlooked," Assemblymember Jose Medina, who helped secure the museum's funding, said. "The Cheech will help bring the real stories and rich history of the Latino community to all Californians."
It's replacing Riverside's main library -- sorry, books! -- but no need to fear, as the library will be moving to a new facility. So hey Riverside, you're getting even more cultural space.
That $9.7 million will be added to the $3.2 million raised so far by the Riverside Art Museum, which will be hosting the center. It's a serious step to make sure Marin's legacy doesn't go up in smoke.
Check out Cheech in a series of ads he did for the recent Pacific Standard Time Latino art exhibit in L.A:
You made it! Congrats, you read the entire story, you gorgeous human. This story was made possible by generous people like you. Independent, local journalism costs $$$$$. And now that LAist is part of KPCC, we rely on that support. So if you aren't already, be one of us! Help us help you live your best life in Southern California. Donate now.
