Irvin Kyle "TOFU" Guzman at work, creating the art that helped build the creative community thriving in Riverside today. (Courtesy of Richie Velazquez)
It is tragically common that the truly talented leave us early. The beauty of creatives is that they leave artifacts; they leave their work to tell their story even after they are gone. Riverside lost Irvin Kyle "TOFU" Guzman, leaving a big hole in the art community. But he leaves us with a body of work that sparks true joy, from whimsical characters to his electric palette. There is an energy about his work that is generating power even after he is gone.
Artist Richie Velasquez reflects: "Irvin, to Riverside, was a pioneer not just as a gifted artist, but as a truly original individual and world-builder. He followed his own heart with his characters and his vision, never bending it to fit expectations. For Riverside, he played a huge role in showing other artists how to put their names out there and believe in their own paths. He was a deeply talented human being, and more than that, an amazing friend. He would remind us that everything was temporary and Everyday Ends…"
February's ArtsWalk, the first of 2026, honors TOFU's life through his art while celebrating the continued vitality of the creative community he helped build. As always, support the local artists and artisans lining Main Street with handcrafted work that makes downtown's pedestrian mall come alive.
February 2026 ArtsWalk, Downtown Thursday, Feb. 5, 6-9 p.m.
Live Music
The Noble Trip x The Good Daze Band
Kicking off 2026 with fresh sounds
Benjamin Franklin Stage, Ninth and Main St.
Main Street Vendors
Local artisan booths along Main St.
Handmade gifts, jewelry, art and crafts
Visit Downtowne Bookstore, Urge Palette, and other Downtown galleries
