Greg Cuellar grew up in Riverside and has spent his adult life giving back to the community that raised him. Through a range of leadership and volunteer roles, he has worked to support and strengthen local arts, culture, and community organizations — connecting people and ideas and helping make Riverside feel more inclusive and vibrant. He serves as Executive Director of the Riverside Community Arts Association (RCAA) — where he previously served as President — and as Vice Chair of the Riverside Arts Council. He also collaborates with the Inland Empire Civil Rights Institute, serves on a committee with the Riverside Downtown Partnership, and co-owns Paint Party Professionals, which hosts a monthly paint party at Back to the Grind to bring creativity and connection to the community. A vocal advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, Greg also lends his support to Riverside Pride and the Ramona High School Magnet Program.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside is more than my hometown. It's the community that shaped me. Growing up here gave me a deep appreciation for the arts, culture, and people that make this city special, and I'm proud to give back to the community that raised me.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? 50+ over the years.
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown or Magnolia Center? Zacatecas Cafe.
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? The new Main Library in Downtown.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? Mrs. Tiggy Winkles.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? RCAA Gallery — it supports over 160 artists and gives them a place to showcase their work with 12 exhibitions a year.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? Tuesday! We serve free hot cocoa on opening night at RCAA Gallery.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Arts Bar & Grill, pastrami with gruyere.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? A walk around Fairmount Park followed by a coffee at Back to the Grind and then a stroll down Main St. Then taking my grandkids out to the museums with a stop for pizza at Hole in the Wall Pizza.
What is your favorite spot for a date night? Le Chat Noir.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? Spanky's.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? Support local artists! Support small businesses!
Finally, tell us what you're working on right now and how our readers can support your efforts — whether it's a project, passion, or cause close to your heart! Working on supporting Riverside Pride by putting together their first LGBTQ+ art exhibition at Pride so artists can show and sell their work at the festival. Also working on the 5th Annual Art After Dark exhibition in support of RCAA, which will for the first time be open to all artists in the Inland Empire — October 17, 6–9 p.m. at the Barbara and Art Culver Center for the Arts. In addition, I'm on a committee with the Riverside Downtown Partnership bringing back the Fashion Show on October 15 at the Culver Center, and this year for the first time we are inviting artists to make outfits from recycled materials and walk them in the show alongside local merchants.
Neighbor of the Week is our way of celebrating the hidden heroes of Riverside—those who go above and beyond to make our community stronger, kinder, and more vibrant. We believe every remarkable Riversider deserves their story told. Know someone who’s making a difference? Nominate a Neighbor of the Week
The free morning clinic that shaped a generation of Inland Empire athletes will shut its doors June 15, ending a nearly half-century run that transformed sports medicine across the region.
