Arts Corner

 

Arts Corner – Artist Spotlight for June – James McClung

Contributed by Rachael Dzikonski, Executive Director, Riverside Arts Council

As summer continues in Riverside, there are endless opportunities to experience the creativity that makes our city so unique. One of the best ways to do that is by exploring Riverside Artswalk, where galleries, museums, artists, and creative spaces come together each month to celebrate the stories that shape our region. This month, the Riverside Arts Council is pleased to feature artist James McClung as the July Artswalk Artist Spotlight.

James McClung is a painter, storyteller, and lifelong creative whose work is deeply rooted in personal experience, cultural history, and a profound connection to the Inland Empire. Through his artwork, he transforms memories, landscapes, and lived experiences into visual narratives that invite viewers to reflect on the communities and histories that have shaped Southern California. Currently, James is featured in Our Empire at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, a collaborative exhibition created alongside fellow artist Marcus Mercado. The exhibition serves as a visual exploration of the Inland Empire through the combined perspectives of two artists who were both raised in Redlands, California. Together, their work offers a thoughtful and deeply personal interpretation of a region that is often overlooked despite its rich cultural history and evolving identity.

James began creating art later in life, in his late thirties, but quickly discovered that painting provided a meaningful outlet for storytelling. Today, he continues to balance his artistic practice alongside his work with the Media Workers Guild while exhibiting both locally and internationally. Throughout his career, his work has been shown and archived through a number of notable institutions, including the Riverside Art Museum, The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture, the Civil Rights Institute, Stanford University Archives, the Museum of California, and the National Museum in Mexico City. In addition to his visual artwork, James has also published seven books. His artistic process is deliberate and patient, with some pieces taking anywhere from three months to an entire year to complete. That slower pace allows him to fully immerse himself in the creative process while reflecting on the ideas and experiences that inspire his work.

James’ connection to Riverside’s arts community spans decades. In his twenties, he first became involved by assisting Cosme Cordova at Division 9 Gallery, helping prepare gallery walls and exhibitions as an intern. Years later, he was commissioned to create a painting representing both The Cheech and the Riverside Art Museum when The Cheech first opened.

Looking ahead, James hopes to continue inspiring younger generations of artists while also seeing Riverside expand opportunities for public art and independent gallery spaces throughout the city. His ultimate goal remains simple: to continue developing his personal style and building a visual language that tells meaningful stories. Artists like James McClung remind us that the arts are more than a creative outlet. They are a way to preserve history, celebrate place, and strengthen the connections that define our community. Our Empire is currently on view at The Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art & Culture.

For more information about James visit jamesmcclungart.com or @jmsmcclng on Instagram. For more information about Riverside Artswalk, visit www.riversideartswalk.com or follow @riversideartswalk on Instagram.