Drew Oberjuerge will step down as executive director of the Riverside Art Museum on Aug. 15 to lead the Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Crafts in Rancho Cucamonga, capping a transformative 13-year tenure that elevated the institution to national prominence.
Oberjuerge's most significant achievement was overseeing the development of The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture, which opened in 2022 as a groundbreaking partnership between RAM, the city of Riverside and comedian Cheech Marin. The center houses Marin's collection of more than 500 Chicano artworks and has welcomed over 130,000 visitors from around the world.
"Drew believed in this project from day one," Marin said in RAM's announcement. "She brought the heart, the smarts and the hustle it took to make The Cheech a reality."
Under Oberjuerge's leadership, RAM received the 2023 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to museums and libraries. Mayor Patricia Lock Dawson said Oberjuerge elevated RAM from an institution that was "well respected in the city and region to a powerhouse with a national and international reach."
Oberjuerge's impact extended beyond institutional growth. Local artists praised her collaborative approach and genuine community engagement.
"She was part of the community and open to local artists' opinions and ideas, positive and negative," said Cosme Cordova of Division 9 Gallery, who worked with Oberjuerge throughout her tenure.
Artist Juan Navarro said her leadership "created a platform for incredible accomplishments" and "provided opportunities for many."
“Drew has been a great friend to RCAA. We have had the opportunity to partner on so many projects and occasions. She will be missed,” said Roy Dietrich, executive director of the Riverside Community Arts Association.
Rather than allowing RAM's success to overshadow the local arts scene, Oberjuerge maintained an inclusive approach that supported galleries, individual artists and community organizations. Her leadership style treated RAM as part of Riverside's broader cultural ecosystem rather than its gatekeeper.
“Riverside has been an incredible place to work over the last 17 years (13.5 with RAM!). People come together to make difficult things happen—like launching The Cheech,” Oberjuerge said. “The city has transformed so much during the last 17 years, particularly in downtown Riverside with the further expansion of the art scene. I am really interested in the forthcoming new City General Plan because it has the potential to chart out another transformative twenty years for the city.”
At the Maloof Foundation, Oberjuerge will oversee the historic residence and woodshop of renowned furniture maker Sam Maloof. The foundation preserves the legacy of one of America's most respected 20th-century woodworkers.
"I look forward to taking what I learned at RAM to the Maloof to strengthen another Inland Empire anchor institution," Oberjuerge said.
The RAM board has begun searching for her replacement while appointing an interim director.
