Riverside City College Welcomes “Alebrijes and Nahuales” Exhibition Celebrating Mexican Art and Cultural Heritage
Three 20-foot-tall sculptures on campus are part of a citywide exhibition on view through early January 2027
A vibrant celebration of art, culture and creativity has arrived at Riverside City College (RCC), where three 20-foot-tall sculptures are bringing fantastic creatures imagined through Mexican magical realism into the spaces where students, employees and community members learn, work and connect.
The campus display is part of Alebrijes and Nahuales exhibition, a citywide exhibition featuring eight monumental sculptures throughout Riverside. Scheduled to remain on view through early January 2027, the exhibition invites visitors to experience Mexican artistry and cultural heritage through public art.
Curated by Carlo Magno Pedro, the exhibition honors the craftsmanship of Mexican artists and artisans. The monumental reproductions of original artworks draw on the fantastical tradition of alebrijes associated with Mexico City artist Pedro Linares and the Oaxacan tradition of nahuales.
Visitors to RCC can discover the following sculptures:
- The Coyote — Efraín Fuentes
A creative interpretation of a familiar animal that connects nature with artistic imagination.
Location: Outside the Quad near the Clocktower. - Lionbull — Leonardo Linares
A fantastic combination of a lion and a bull that invites viewers to see familiar forms in a new way.
Location: Digital Library near the Breezeway. - The Happy Alien — Constantino Blas
A playful, otherworldly creation by an Oaxacan artist that celebrates the possibilities of imagination.
Location: BLCIS Promenade.
With support from RCC’s Art Department, eight miniature replicas will also be displayed on campus in protective cases, offering another opportunity to explore these imaginative creations. Display locations will be announced once arrangements are finalized.
The exhibition is made possible through a collaboration amongThe Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, Riverside Art Museum, Riverside City College, the Office of State Senator Sabrina Cervantes, and Riverside City Councilmembers Clarissa Cervantes and Luis Hernandez.
Hosting the sculptures reflects RCC’s commitment to honoring cultural heritage and creating a welcoming campus where every student can thrive. The display offers opportunities for learning beyond the classroom while encouraging conversations across backgrounds and experiences.
Students, employees and community members are invited to explore the sculptures, appreciate their vibrant colors and intricate details, and discover the creativity and cultural traditions they represent.
RCC is located at 4801 Magnolia Avenue in Riverside. Visitors can continue their exploration at The Cheech, Riverside Art Museum, Bordwell Park and the Arlanza Community Center, where the exhibition’s five additional sculptures are displayed.
For additional citywide locations and exhibition information, visit the City of Riverside’s exhibition announcement.
