Natalie Nicole Peralta and fellow artist Gabriel stand before the mural they painted together at Immanuel Lutheran School in Riverside. (Brenda Flowers)
Natalie Nicole Peralta has only lived in Riverside for about a year, but in that time the city left a mark on her — and she left one on it. A former Phoenix Scholar at Norco College, Natalie recently transferred to UC Irvine to pursue her bachelor's degree in art. The Phoenix Scholars Program works to improve educational outcomes for current and former foster youth by increasing access to college and supporting students through the process. It was through the program that Natalie connected with fellow artist Gabriel, and the two soon discovered a shared ambition: to become muralists. Natalie has since completed several murals in the Riverside area, including two indoor pieces for Kindful Restoration, a nonprofit serving justice-impacted residents. This week, she and Gabriel finished a mural together at Immanuel Lutheran School.
Natalie's roots in the foster system have shaped both her life and her art. She has navigated much of adulthood on her own, raising her four-year-old daughter Jalynn while pursuing her education and building a career as an artist. She describes art as the through-line of it all — her way of healing, communicating, and pushing forward. Her involvement in Riverside's art scene has run deep: she has attended figure drawing sessions at Urge Palette, participated in workshops at Division 9 Gallery, and is currently a exhibiting artist in the Riverside Center for Social Justice and Civil Liberties' "Body of Freedom" exhibition. She has also been active in organizations serving foster youth, including serving as a Youth Voice Board Member at Building Resilience Together.
As she prepares to move to Orange County and begin the next chapter of her education, Natalie says Riverside will stay with her. The city's community and art scene, she says, built her as an artist — and she plans to stay connected to both.
What does Riverside mean to you? Riverside holds a special place in my heart. Even though I have only been living here for about a year, I have seen the amazing community and people within it that have made my journey here amazing. It's a really special place where people can be free to be themselves and embrace each other's differences together. It's a place to celebrate life with many different cultures and communities. I am happy and proud to be a part of Riverside's community and make a good impact.
What is your Mt. Rubidoux summit count (estimated)? 1 😄
What is your favorite restaurant outside of Downtown Riverside? My favorite restaurant in Riverside has to be Amy's Cafe on Magnolia or Tio's Tacos!
What is the most beautiful building in Riverside? I really love Tio's Tacos restaurant — it's one of the most beautiful buildings to me in Riverside. Most of the art is made of tin, metal, and scraps, but they are amazingly huge and every last piece has found a home, beautifully decorating the restaurant from head to toe and making it more than just a restaurant but a place of art.
What is your favorite Riverside small business? Urge Palette or Division 9 Gallery, where I like to participate in art workshops.
What is your favorite Riverside non-profit organization? Kindful Restoration, because they have amazing resources. I also work for them — they do amazing work for people and for youth who are disadvantaged.
The Festival of Lights: Every year on opening night or maybe on a Tuesday? I absolutely love it and have not been to opening night yet, but last Christmas I went to the Festival of Lights about twenty-plus times — not kidding.
What is your go-to sandwich in town? Cheba Hut "bomb" and a classic Subway tuna/veggie sandwich.
What is your idea of a perfect weekend day in Riverside? Walking downtown and visiting small shops and exploring around. I would check out the library — I have not yet been in! — and visit the museums in the art district, possibly go to Game Lab. I would also probably see a movie at Tyler Mall AMC and walk around the mall a bit with my little sisters, or go for a hike or run.
What is your favorite spot for a date night? A walkthrough of the Downtown Riverside art museums and a movie at Tyler Mall AMC. I would also consider Fairmount Park — walking around the lake or setting up a painting date there in front of the water.
Do you call it the Galleria or Tyler Mall? Tyler Mall.
What is one place in Riverside you would bring back if you could? Festival of Lights all year round. I love the vibe and getting lost in the people, the music, and the atmosphere.
If you could put one message on a billboard on the 91, what would it be? Never betray what you love — you'll lose yourself so completely you forget what happiness feels like. With the one chance we have, do what you love with your whole heart, whatever it may be, big or small. The rest will fall into place, and slowly life will fill the cracks of what once felt empty.
Finally, tell us what you're working on and how our readers can support your efforts! I am currently attending UC Irvine in the fall and live alone with my daughter on a housing program. A year ago we were homeless for a little while, but Norco College helped us get into programs. Facing financial instability and transportation issues, any help would be really appreciated to support me in my art journey while working, going to school, and taking care of my daughter. I am also trying to get a new car because I need to drive from Orange County to Riverside almost every day for work and to finish school. I would also love more opportunities to make murals and paintings — it keeps me motivated and happy. To help beautify Riverside and communicate with the world gives me energy and a sense of completeness that I crave and love, and I am honored. If I can change one person's mind or inspire them to be themselves and follow their heart, I have done my job in life. I would also like to ask others to support the foster youth community in any way possible, directly or through donating to nonprofits like Building Resilience Together. Most of us have had to learn to do it alone, and any support, donations, or opportunities can help former foster youth, students, and young moms like me follow our dreams. This is what keeps me going, and I am so grateful to have this opportunity to share myself and my art with Riverside. Thank you.
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
