A first-of-its-kind exhibition at RAM and the Cheech explores how Chicano photographers have used cameras to document their communities and reshape American art history.
The 33rd annual Riverside Dickens Festival will explore themes of poverty, resilience and community care when it returns to White Park Feb. 21-22, marking a shift toward social equity.
Palm trees silhouette against the evening sky over Riverside, as seen from Hawarden Hills. (Rosalyn Anderson) Have a photo that captures the spirit of Riverside? Share it with us and help celebrate the beauty of our community!
Friday Gazette: February 13, 2026
Hello Riverside, and Happy Friday! It's Friday the 13th—and while some might see today as unlucky, we think this weekend is filled with reasons to celebrate. Today happens to be the perfect day for Galentine's Day and National Wingman/Woman Day, honoring the friends who have your back. Tomorrow brings Valentine's Day itself, and Riverside is ready with plenty of ways to show love to the people who matter most.
From romantic dinners to community gatherings, our local businesses and organizations have created wonderful opportunities to celebrate connection. Check out our guide to Riverside's Valentine's scene to find the perfect way to spend the weekend with the people you love.
However you choose to celebrate—whether with a partner, friends or by treating yourself—we hope your weekend is filled with joy.
Chicano Camera Culture Traces Six Decades of Photography as Activism
A first-of-its-kind exhibition at RAM and the Cheech explores how Chicano photographers have used cameras to document their communities and reshape American art history.
Cheech Marin (third from left, top row) poses with artists and organizers featured in Chicano Camera Culture: A Photographic History, the first major survey exploring Chicano photography from the 1960s to present day. (Courtesy of Carlos Puma/ Puma Photography on behalf of Riverside Art Museum)
When curating Chicano Camera Culture: A Photographic History, Elizabeth Ferrer chose to begin the timeline in the 1960s. That generation of artists didn't call themselves photographers. Instead, they saw an urgency in capturing the moment and their training grounds were the protests happening around them.
"Chicano photography really starts with those activist years," she said. "That's when people began to refer to themselves as Chicanos, and it was during the era of Cesar Chavez and the protests."
The exhibition will be split between two museums - running through Sept. 6 at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture and through July 5 at the Riverside Art Museum's Julia Morgan building. It is the first major survey to explore the evolution of Chicana/o/x-based practices across six decades, featuring 150 artists from around the country.
Dickens Festival Turns Focus to Social Justice With Oliver Twist Theme
The 33rd annual Riverside Dickens Festival will explore themes of poverty, resilience and community care when it returns to White Park Feb. 21-22, marking a shift toward social equity.
Costumed attendees enjoy a storytelling session at a previous Riverside Dickens Festival at White Park. (Photo courtesy of Riverside Dickens Festival)
Riverside's Dickens Festival adds storytelling circles featuring disabled community members and youth, connecting Victorian social advocacy to modern challenges.
Why it matters: The festival's new format gives marginalized voices center stage — a shift from traditional historical reenactments that could reshape how Riverside celebrates its annual literary event.
What's new: Storytelling circles replace some traditional programming, featuring personal narratives on resilience, identity and belonging.
"These aren't performances; they're conversations," said Imari Nuyen-Kariotis, RDF Entertainment Chair.
The big picture: The festival partnered with Riverside University Health System, Disability Access Office and the Library System to honor "modern Olivers" — people facing challenges Dickens wrote about.
A collaborative mural project invites attendees to contribute art that will be installed publicly after the festival.
What's happening: Traditional elements return, including character reenactments, the Children's Tea with Queen Victoria, Saturday's Poetry in Motion fashion show (2:15 p.m.) and Sunday's Steampunk Peacock Parade.
What's next: The festival runs 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at White Park, 3901 Market St. Tickets: $20adults, $5 children 6-12 and seniors 65+, free for kids 5 and under.
Meet this week’s featured furry friend from the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center. Dedicated to eliminating pet homelessness, the center provides compassionate care and facilitates adoptions for animals in need of loving homes. Find your new companion and help support their mission of humane care and responsible pet ownership.
Can Kelso be your Valentine? This handsome 6-year-old with the most gorgeous eyes, is patiently waiting for a home to call his own. He’s calm, confident, and always polite with dogs and people. Like most dogs, he enjoys zoomies, but after a few moments of getting that energy and enthusiasm out, he’s ready for love and affection. Through February 14th, adoption fees for dogs and puppies are $50 as part of the Fall in Love adoption special. Come meet Kelso and all the adoptable pets at the Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in person. Stop by any day except Tuesdays, from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m., or learn more at petsadoption.org.
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