Riverside Art Museum Celebrates Legacy of Leaders Who Shaped RAM and The Cheech

Former Riverside Art Museum Executive Director Drew Oberjuerge is among seven leaders the museum will honor at its annual TOP DOG awards celebration March 11, recognized for guiding RAM's growth over 13 years and shepherding The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture from vision to reality.

"The TOP DOG celebration honors individuals who helped transform a small arts organization in an abandoned city dog pound into a prominent Downtown museum in a historic Julia Morgan-designed former YWCA," said Valerie Found, Interim Executive Director of the Riverside Art Museum.

2026 Honorees

Drew Oberjuerge, former Executive Director, guided the museum for 13 years.

"I am proud of my work with a team of trustees and staff to transform an institution more than 80 years old," Oberjuerge said. "In twenty years from now, Riversiders will still enjoy visiting both sites — the historic Julia Morgan building and The Cheech — and get to see beautiful art and participate in inspiring arts programs."

"When the policy window is open, work as hard and fast as you can to complete your project," she told the Gazette. Half of The Cheech's five-year launch period unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Oberjuerge offered two pieces of advice to the next generation of arts leaders in the Inland Empire: "Never underestimate the power of steady, incremental changes that over the course of years result in something significant. And it's critical to build your organization's operational and financial knowledge and skills to strongly support innovative artistic programs. They must all grow together."

Todd Wingate brought engaging exhibitions and a lead capital campaign gift to The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, supporting the arts in Riverside for decades.

Lucile Arntzen, an Art Alliance member and volunteer who served as former RAM President, played a leadership role in The Cheech project, has spearheaded Art Alliance fundraising efforts and continually supports museum operations.

Posthumous Honorees

Ofelia Valdez-Yeager, past RAM board president, community advocate, co-founder of Riverside's Latino Network and chair of The Cheech Capital Campaign.

Dan Benner, former RAM Trustee and architect who gave his time and expertise during the planning and construction of The Cheech.

Madelyn Millen, former RAM Trustee, retired Visual Resources Curator at UC Riverside and long-time museum volunteer who spent countless hours researching and archiving collections materials.

Doug McCulloh, former RAM Trustee, world-renowned photographer and curator who contributed his expertise and creativity to the museum.

More information: The TOP DOG awards celebration takes place Wednesday, March 11, from 5:30-8 p.m. at the Riverside Art Museum's Julia Morgan building, 3425 Mission Inn Ave. Tickets are $125 per person and are available here.