Riverside's ArtsWalk returns Thursday, July 2, from 6 to 9 p.m., and this month it comes with something you rarely get in July: a comfortable evening. Forecasts put the night in the 70s, a real break from the usual summer heat. The lineup matches the weather. Two gallery openings, a hands-on sculpture project, live music, a free rooftop movie and one last ArtsWalk chance to catch one of the region's most talked about exhibitions.
The Cheech 3581 Mission Inn Ave.
- Our Empire: James McClung and Marcus Mercado, a two-artist exhibition built around the Inland Empire, is on view in the community gallery. Both artists were raised in Redlands.
- McClung is the Riverside Arts Council's July Artist Spotlight. He was recently featured in the Los Angeles Times for his work in the show.
- Out front from 6 to 9 p.m., McClung and Mercado invite the public to help transform two large letter sculptures, each 42 by 42 inches. Bring your own supplies. Chalk, spray paint, acrylic, charcoal, markers and stickers all work, and a limited selection of materials will be on hand. The finished sculptures will go on display inside The Cheech.
Riverside Art Museum 3425 Mission Inn Ave.
- Ripperside at the RAM presents a rooftop screening of Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the movie starts at 7:30. The event is free.
- The screening comes from Francisco Ochoa, who has built his Ripperside Cinema Galore series up from the basement of Back to the Grind. Riverside is thin on independent and arthouse film, and Ochoa has found a steady audience.
Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California 3933 Mission Inn Ave., Ste. 103
- Out in the I.E. surveys the Inland Empire's LGBTQ+ history across 10 themes, from art and AIDS to drag and nightlife, faith and queer futures.
- The exhibition has been extended through July 12. This is the last ArtsWalk to see the incredible exhibition.
Division 9 Gallery 3850 Lemon St.
- Unreal, a two-artist show featuring Lisabeth Mertins and Amy Ning, opens from 6 to 9 p.m. A closing reception follows on Sunday, July 26.
RCAA Gallery 3860 Lemon St.
- The Patron & Photography Inspired Members Show is on view from 6 to 9 p.m., with Kathryn Baca Llano as the featured artist.
Benjamin Franklin Stage City Hall Breezeway
- Live music starts at 6 p.m. with The Oakks and Crystal and the Sassy Cats. The show is free, all ages and dog friendly.
